By Emmanuel Olinga
FORT PORTAL
The Catholic Church has reopened and rededicated the house of God, Our Lady of Snows Virika Cathedral, Fort portal in Kabarole district after a Shs3.6 billion reconstruction exercise.
Since its construction in 1967, Virika Cathedral has had three major repairs in 1987, 2004 and 2024, all occasioned by the leakage of roof.
According to Msgr. Isaiah Mayombo, chairperson of the project steering group, the most recent renovations in 2024 included a total overhaul and modification of the roof structure, replacement of the floor and doors, and the addition of new elements.
Speaking through the Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, at the re-opening and blessing of the cathedral, President Yoweri Museveni, appreciated the entire leadership of the Catholic Church for shepherding the flock in Uganda and working in partnership with the government to cause development.
He said Saturday’s inauguration and rededication of the house of God, Our Lady of Snows Virika Cathedral, was in recognition of Bishop Vincent Joseph McCauley’s legacy who took it upon himself to build a more resilient Cathedral.
He said the financial contributions made by all the believers from the Fort Portal community, stakeholders and well-wishers that see to the construction of such a worthy structure for the glorification of the Kingdom of God are visible signs of appreciation to God for his enormous grace upon our nation.
He hailed Bishop Robert Muhiirwa and Msgr. Isaiah Mayombo, the Vicar General of the diocese for the work they are doing amongst the Fort Portal faithful and the entire community and also appreciates all the clergy that have contributed to the growth of the diocese since inception of the church in 1967.
The President commended the role played by the Church in building the believers spiritually and molding them into responsible citizens.
He stressed that the church has played a big role in reaching the masses beyond the pulpit with outreaches that have enabled them to develop their livelihood.
He used the same platform to call upon all Ugandans to work hard and banish poverty right from their households as a means of enforcing self-sustainability.
The president also encouraged all Ugandans to engage in gainful employment by working hard not only putting food on table but also focusing on financial advancement.
He encouraged Christians to join the government poverty eradication campaigns like the Operation Wealth Creation, parish development model, Emyooga and youth Skilling centers and hubs in several regions in Uganda.
He urged them to work hard to secure their own future and that of your children will liberate you from many problems that stem from poverty.
Mr. Museveni told Christians that as they dedicate the house of God today, they should rededicate themselves to hard work and also embrace honesty.
He encouraged all the leaders to lead by example and be the sermon of hope and faithfulness as a means of safeguarding yourselves from infiltration by bad elements that may dilute our values through financial handouts and gifts.
Museveni said the youth who are the biggest percentage of our population must work and avoid the temptation of quick money and boisterous lifestyles which are a pit of destruction.
He noted that as the bible says in the book of Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
Museveni told the faithful that now that we have received the knowledge of the NRM, they should plan for the prosperity of Ugandans, let us all participate and grow together for a common good.
He congratulated all the people of Our Lady of Snows Virika upon the inauguration and rededication of the house of God. “It is my prayer that the Almighty God grants us wisdom and understanding of our mission to lead meaningful lives of prosperity,” he said.
Rt. Rev. Robert Muhiirwa, the Bishop of Fort portal Diocese, asked the people to renew their spiritual lives as Catholics.
“The inauguration of the newly renovated church should be accompanied by a renewal in Christian conduct and way of life especially in our families, places of work and our communities,” Muhiirwa said.
The bishop was grateful to president Museveni for his generous contribution towards the reconstruction of the cathedral and other projects in the diocese.
The Most Rev. Luigi Bianco, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda was the main celebrant at the colorful event witnessed by the clergy, politicians and Christians.
