By: Ismael Kasooha

KAMPALA

President Yoweri Museveni has donated sh.300 million to support Hoima Catholic Diocese as it hosts this year’s youth National Catholic Conference.

Hoima Catholic Diocese which falls under Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province is hosting this year’s National Catholic Youth Conference celebrations from December 10th to December 15th, 2024 at our Lady of Lourdes Bujumbura Cathedral in Hoima City.

The money was handed over by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to the Bishop of Hoima Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Bishop Vincent Kirabo Amooti at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala.

The Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja handing over the sh300m to the Bishop of Hoima Catholic Diocese in Kampala on Tuesday

While handing over the money, Nabbanja said that the Head of State extended a hand towards the organizing of the conference for its success.

“On behalf of the president and the government, I have the honour to hand over USh.300M as the support from the President to enable you to host the Youth Conference. This conference is key in helping the youth drawn from the entire country and from all the 19 catholic dioceses,” said Nabbanja.

Nabbanja briefed the Bishop that the President will grace the conference to talk to the youths.

“As Hoima Catholic Diocese, we would like to express our gratitude to appreciate H.E the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for supporting this National Youth Conference and this is a wonderful help of UShs. 300M. We shall have a large number of youths from within and outside the country. When the youth are supported, we really feel encouraged as the church that we are grooming responsible citizens,” said Kirabo.

He said that Pope Francis has insisted on synodality, dialogue, communion and then participation and this is very good for grooming the youths.

Rt. Hon. PM  Robinah Nabbanja (2nd left) with Hon. State Minister for Public Service Hon. Mugasa (left), Hon. State Minister for Children & Youth, Balamu (2nd right) and the Bishop Kirabo

The Diocese is hosting the youth event on behalf of the Province of Mbarara mostly targeting school and non-school going youths from all denominations from the age of 12-35 with an aim of transforming their lives into better citizens.

Bishop Kirabo said that the church is implementing its mandate of guiding, empowering and teaching the youth to live a Godly life.

He said that they are expecting very many youths from Uganda and neighbouring countries starting December 10th- 15th this year.

The theme for the conference is derived from Isaiah chapter 40:31 “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” as given to them by the Holy Father, Pope Francis in preparation for the Jubilee pilgrimage due to be held in 2025.

The Prime Minister was flanked by State Ministers Grace Mary Mugasa for Public Service and Balamu Barugahara for Children and Youths.

End