President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the Catholic Church for its critical role in Uganda’s development and pledged UGX 50 million to support projects under the Moroto Catholic Diocese.
Vice President Maj (Rtd) Jessica Rose Epel Alupo delivered the President’s message during the consecration and inauguration of the Merciful Love of Jesus Cathedral in Moroto. “The Catholic Church has consistently led the way in transforming society, not only in Moroto but across the country,” the President said in the message.
He applauded the Church’s collaboration with the government in delivering essential services and fostering community development. Museveni also emphasized the importance of economic empowerment through homegrown solutions.
“We can no longer continue relying on external aid,” he said. “That is why we are spreading this message through programs like Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation, the Parish Development Model, and youth skilling initiatives.”
President Museveni congratulated the Uganda Episcopal Conference and the global Catholic community on the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. He described the Pope’s election as a sign of strong and continuing leadership in the Church.
Archbishop Luigi Bianco, Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda and the main celebrant of the event, described the new cathedral as “a visible sign of God’s presence among His people.” He quoted Isaiah 56:7, saying, “I will make them joyful in my house of prayer; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.” Archbishop Bianco extended blessings from Pope Leo XIV, saying, “Peace be with you all.”
He also congratulated Rt Rev Damiano Giulio Guzzetti, MCCJ, Bishop of Moroto, along with clergy, religious, seminarians, catechists, and the faithful for their contributions to the milestone.
Counsel Twinobusingye Severino, representing Gen (Rtd) Caleb Akandwanaho (Salim Saleh), highlighted the Church’s alignment with Catholic Social Teaching as outlined in Rerum Novarum. He noted that the new cathedral enhances Moroto’s skyline and resonates with Operation Wealth Creation’s mission of youth empowerment and industrialization.
He said improved security in the region had created opportunities to focus on value addition in the beef, dairy, and leather sectors. He also pointed to the region’s water potential, saying it could support irrigation, aquaculture, livestock, and domestic use.
Counsel Twinobusingye further revealed ongoing discussions between the Church and the government on the integration of Karamoja Peace and Technology University into Uganda’s public university system, with the Church as its founding body.
He urged the youth, especially the Karacuna, to embrace the cathedral’s spiritual message as inspiration for socio-economic transformation. He added that the Church values Gen Saleh’s role in promoting evangelisation as a tool for national progress.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries including the Italian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Mauro Massoni, Members of Parliament, senior government officials, security leaders, and Christians from various denominations.
