President Yoweri Museveni has contributed UGX 300 million to support Hoima Catholic Diocese in hosting this year’s National Catholic Youth Conference.
The Diocese, which is part of Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province, will host the celebrations from December 10th to December 15th, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Bujumbura Cathedral in Hoima City.
The funds were officially handed over by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, to Rt. Rev. Bishop Vincent Kirabo Amooti of Hoima Catholic Diocese at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala.
While presenting the donation, Nabbanja stated that the President extended this assistance to ensure the successful organization of the event.
“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. This gathering plays a vital role in impacting young people from across the country and all 19 Catholic dioceses,” Nabbanja remarked.
The Prime Minister further informed the Bishop that the President would personally attend the conference to engage with the youth.
Bishop Kirabo expressed heartfelt appreciation for the President’s support.
“As Hoima Catholic Diocese, we are deeply grateful to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for this generous contribution of UGX 300 million towards the National Youth Conference. 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,” he stated.
The Bishop emphasized the significance of Pope Francis’ call for synodality, dialogue, communion, and active participation in youth development, which aligns with the objectives of the conference.
Hoima Diocese is hosting the event on behalf of the Mbarara Province, targeting youth aged 12-35, both students and non-students, from various denominations. The aim is to inspire them to become better citizens.
Bishop Kirabo highlighted the church’s commitment to guiding, empowering, and educating the youth to lead God-centered lives. He noted that participants from Uganda and neighboring countries are expected to attend.
The conference theme, drawn from Isaiah 40:31, is:
“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.”
This theme was provided by Pope Francis as part of preparations for the Jubilee pilgrimage in 2025.
Prime Minister Nabbanja was accompanied by State Ministers Grace Mary Mugasa for Public Service and Balamu Barugahara for Children and Youth Affairs.