Museveni Donates UGX 300M to Support National Catholic Youth Conference

President Yoweri Museveni has donated UGX 300 million to support the National Catholic Youth Conference, scheduled to take place in Hoima from December 10 to December 15, 2024. The event, hosted by Hoima Catholic Diocese at Our Lady of Lourdes Bujumbura Cathedral, aims to inspire and empower youth from across Uganda and neighboring countries.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja handed over the funds to Rt. Rev. Bishop Vincent Kirabo Amooti of Hoima Diocese during a ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala.

“On behalf of the President and the government, I am honored to hand over UGX 300 million as a contribution from the Head of State to support the Youth Conference,” Nabbanja said. “This gathering plays a vital role in impacting young people from all 19 Catholic dioceses and beyond.”

The Prime Minister also announced that President Museveni would personally attend the conference to engage with the youth.

Bishop Kirabo expressed profound gratitude for the support, emphasizing its importance in hosting a successful event.

“As Hoima Catholic Diocese, we are deeply grateful to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for this generous contribution,” Bishop Kirabo stated. “We anticipate a large turnout of youth from within and beyond the country. Supporting the youth inspires us as a church to nurture responsible citizens.”

The Bishop highlighted the conference’s alignment with Pope Francis’ call for synodality, dialogue, communion, and active youth participation. The event, under the theme “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31), aims to guide young people aged 12 to 35 in becoming responsible, God-centered individuals.

Prime Minister Nabbanja was accompanied by State Ministers Grace Mary Mugasa for Public Service and Balamu Barugahara for Children and Youth Affairs.

The conference is expected to attract participants from various denominations, with Hoima Diocese hosting on behalf of the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province. This year’s theme, provided by Pope Francis, serves as a preparatory step toward the 2025 Jubilee pilgrimage.