Written By | Joshua Nahamya
Vicent Bamugaya family celebrate the contribution to Church
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RUBIRIZI
In a significant boost to the spiritual and physical infrastructure of the region, the family and friends of Vicent Bamugaya have donated Shs 75 million towards the construction of a new sanctuary for Rugazi Catholic Parish.
The contribution was announced during a thanksgiving Mass held at Kizurugo Village, Magambo Sub-county, in Rubirizi District.
Vicent Bamugaya, Director of Economic Monitoring and Research in the Office of the President, said his family uses the annual Easter Monday tradition to celebrate with the Ndekye Catholic community and raise funds for the parish as a token of gratitude for the gift of life.
A Journey of Faith and Gratitude
Speaking about his personal journey of faith, Bamugaya emphasised that the annual gathering is a time to acknowledge God’s care, love, and blessings upon his family.
“Thanking God is not about avoiding hardship, but about remaining grateful in all circumstances and supporting community development,” Bamugaya said.
He praised the Church for its role in promoting unity and discipline in society, pledging continued support to ensure that the place of worship is protected and expanded.
His wife, Rosebel Kwesiga Akiki, echoed similar sentiments, urging parents to instil strong values in their children.
“Parents should raise children with good values, teach them practical skills, and show them love so they grow into responsible and God-fearing individuals,” she said.
She also encouraged families to focus on increasing household income and supporting community development, noting that churches play a vital role in shaping spiritual growth within communities.
Preserving a Historic Legacy
The Parish Priest of Rugazi, Rev. Fr. Alphonse Mukundane, commended the Bamugaya family for their generosity and efforts in supporting livelihoods through initiatives such as livestock donations.
He revealed that the parish has embarked on a major construction project estimated to cost over Shs 4 billion.
“Rugazi Catholic Parish is the second-oldest church in Mbarara Diocese, established in 1903, and the current structure is in a poor state due to its age,” Fr. Mukundane explained.
“It can no longer accommodate the growing number of faithful.”
He added that such contributions are vital in improving the lives of people and strengthening the Church’s mission.
Youth Guidance and Community Development
In a separate engagement, the Episcopal Vicar for Greater Bushenyi, Rev. Fr. Johnbaptist Turinomujuni, cautioned young people against alcohol abuse, drug use, and early marriages during a Mass at Kikumbo Catholic Parish, where he confirmed over 310 catechumens.
“The young generation should remain focused, embrace their faith, and avoid destructive habits in order to achieve their goals,” he said.
Rev. Fr. Leonidas Muhereza, Parish Priest of Kikumbo, noted that the event also marked the official opening of a new church building and the installation of the Blessed Sacrament.
He urged the newly confirmed to be good ambassadors in their communities by spreading the Gospel.
Rev Fr Leonidas Muhereza
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
As Chief Guest at the Kikumbo ceremony, Bamugaya—also acting in his capacity as Director of the Rural Initiative for Poverty Alleviation (RIPA)—said his philanthropic efforts are driven by a desire to serve rather than political ambition.
“We are helping others to receive blessings from God, not for political gain,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of education as a key driver of social transformation.
“Educated children can uplift families and communities, while lack of education can lead to challenges such as crime, drug abuse, and other social problems that destroy lives,” he added.
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