Summary:
- Bishop Rubaramira called on Christians to make deliberate plans for their households and take full advantage of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
RUBANDA: The Bishop of Kabale Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, has urged families to prioritize planning and income generation as a strategy to combat poverty.
Speaking on Saturday at the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) event held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Rubanda Catholic Parish, Bishop Rubaramira called on Christians to make deliberate plans for their households and take full advantage of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“Have meetings in your families this December and plan for what you will do in 2025. Focus on improving household incomes as a way to fight poverty,” Bishop Rubaramira said.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that government resources, like PDM funds, are used productively. “Does that PDM money find plans on the table, or does it find unprepared minds wasting it on unproductive things? The rule of money is that it should multiply into more money,” he noted.
The Bishop also encouraged families to involve children in productive activities and cautioned against misusing funds on unplanned expenses, such as extravagant lifestyles. He stressed the need for unity, planning, and hard work to eradicate poverty in households.
Mrs. Jacqueline Katabazi, a Rubanda Woman MP hopeful, commended Bishop Rubaramira for his visionary message and underscored the critical role of planning in achieving development.
“Bishop Callistus Rubaramira is truly a leader of progress. If Christians heed his call, poverty can be eradicated in our families,” Mrs. Katabazi said.
She elaborated on the importance of planning, stating, “A person cannot develop unless they understand what development means. Understanding development begins with planning. Nobody can achieve anything without first imagining how it will work out and then working hard to make it happen. This is the best and surest way to fight poverty and create better lives for our families.”
Hon. Henry Musasizi, the State Minister for Finance and MP for Rubanda County East, was represented at the event by Rubanda District Governor Stephen Kasyaba. In his remarks, Musasizi highlighted the government’s efforts to combat poverty through programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the Youth Livelihood Fund.
“These programs are aimed at reducing poverty and promoting self-reliance. I encourage Christians to embrace them and use them effectively to uplift their families,” Musasizi said.
He also highlighted infrastructure investments in Rubanda, including the construction of Rubanda Community Hospital at Kamugongo, Bufundi Health Centre IV, and Hamurwa Health Centre IV. He urged continued support for the NRM party to sustain development in the region.
The event raised over UGX 230 million to support diocesan initiatives.
