The Eastern Cluster Dioceses are seeking 2 Billion Shillings to organize next year’s Martyr’s day celebrations.
In June, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kazimba Mugalu announced that the cluster dioceses will animate the celebrations at the Anglican Site.
The celebrations will be conducted under the theme, United for Sustainable Service and Growth.
His Grace Kazimba appointed the Bishop of Bukedi Diocese Rt. Rev. Samuel Egesa Bogere is the cluster leader.
The Eastern cluster is comprised of 10 dioceses which include Bukedi, Mbale, Sebei, Soroti, Busoga, Central Busoga, Kumi, Karamoja, North Mbale, and North Karamoja.
Speaking at the launch of the preprations on Thursday at the Namugongo Anglican Shrine Rebecca Kadaga the first Deputy Prime Minister who is the Chairperson of the Central Organizing Committee says that it is the obligation of the main celebrant to mobilize funds to ensure preparations go on.
According to Kadaga, they are counting on all the 10 dioceses and well-wishers to raise funds.
Bishop Samuel George Bogere Egesa the Chairperson of the Eastern Cluster said that they have opened up an account number 1015202575054 in the name of the Church of Uganda Martyrs Celebration in Equity Bank.
He rallied all Anglicans in different parts of the country to contribute funds for the preparations.
Bishop Jackson Matovu the chairman Namugongo development committee said that his committee is seeking 68 billion shillings to redevelop the Anglican Shrine where next year’s celebrations will be held.
According to Bishop Matovu, the government fulfilled its pledge of 21 billion Shillings for the completion of the shelter. He is optimistic that the shelter will be ready by December.
According to the building plan, the church intends to set up a 10,000-seater infrastructure.
They will later construct extension terraces going up to the existing museum structure to provide enough space for pilgrims who flock to the place.
This year’s celebrations at the Anglican Shrine were led by five dioceses of Greater Ankole. They included Ankole, West Ankole, North Ankole, South Ankole and North West Ankole.