By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
St. Austin Catholic Church on Sunday, 12th July, 2026 successfully raised over UGX 35 million in cash and more than UGX 10 million in pledges during its second fundraising drive held at the parish in Mbale City to support the expansion of the church.
The fundraising event attracted a large number of dignitaries, political leaders, Christians, businesspeople and well-wishers, all united in support of the church’s ambitious construction project.
Among the major contributors was BAM Shopping Centre Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mubarak Abdullah, who donated 100 bags of cement. Other notable contributions included Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, who donated UGX 5 million through his Personal Assistant Rev. Magombe, Hon. Simon Mulongo who contributed UGX 2 million, Hon. Rose Mutonyi, Woman Member of Parliament for Manafwa District, who donated UGX 2.5 million, Hon. Agnes Shiwuma, Woman MP for Bududa District, who contributed UGX 500,000, and Mbale City Mayor Joyce Matooke Kidulu, who also donated UGX 500,000.
Speaking during the event, Francis Xavier Watikha, Chairperson of the Church Expansion Organising Committee, said the expansion project is intended to increase the church’s seating capacity to accommodate more than 2,000 worshippers.
Watikha revealed that the entire project is estimated to cost UGX 3.5 billion. He said the church has so far mobilised over UGX 312 million, which has already been invested in the ongoing construction works.
However, he noted that the project still faces a funding gap of more than 91 percent, and appealed to Christians and well-wishers to continue supporting the initiative.
Representing Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, Rev. Magombe called upon the public to join hands in building God’s house, saying the church belongs to everyone and requires collective effort to complete.
Mubarak Abdullah said St. Austin Catholic Church played a significant role in shaping the lives of many people, including himself, and pledged to continue supporting the construction until its completion.
Mbale City Mayor Joyce Kidulu reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to supporting the church.
She announced that funds have already been secured to improve the access road leading to the church, a move expected to ease transport and accessibility for worshippers.
Hon. Rose Mutonyi commended the leadership of the parish for spearheading the expansion project and encouraged Christians to remain committed to supporting the development of the church.
The Parish Priest, Fr. Joseph Martin Kibeti, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all donors, Christians and well-wishers who contributed towards the fundraising drive.
“We appreciate all Christians and well-wishers who have stood with us and supported this noble cause,” Fr. Kibeti said.
“We appeal to more people to come forward and support the construction of God’s house.”
Fr. Kibeti also acknowledged continued support from several leaders, organisations and government institutions, including Hon. John Musila, Member of Parliament for Bubulo East Constituency, Hon. Umar Nangoli, Member of Parliament for Mbale Northern City Division, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, Minister and Woman Member of Parliament for Mbale City, Hon. Agnes Amede, Woman MP for Butebo District, Centenary Bank, and Mr. Don Wanyama, Chief Executive Officer of New Vision.
Church leaders expressed optimism that with continued support from the faithful, development partners and the wider community, the ambitious expansion project will be completed and provide a larger, modern place of worship for generations to come.
