The Vice President of Uganda and Woman Member of Parliament for Katakwi District, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting and supporting freedom of worship in the country.
“I want to assure you of the Government’s commitment to promoting and supporting freedom of worship, and to strengthening collaboration with the Church on development initiatives for our people,” said Alupo.
She made these remarks on Sunday while addressing congregants during the annual Mass organized by the Tororo Ecclesiastical Province Association of the Laity (TEPAL), held at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Namugongo.
TEPAL brings together all diocesan associations within the Tororo Ecclesiastical Province, which includes Jinja, Tororo, Moroto, Soroti, and Kotido Catholic Dioceses.
The annual Mass serves to foster unity, share developmental activities, deepen faith, and strengthen the bond between church leaders and their congregants, including those outside the province.
The association also identifies and promotes the capacities of Catholic faithful to contribute to development efforts, and aims to create networks and social safety nets that support socio-economic transformation.
In her speech, Vice President Alupo emphasized the importance of nurturing strong families rooted in religious values, noting that such households are more likely to raise morally upright children.
“I expect this association to lead in extending moral lessons to families, which will help our country raise youth who are religiously grounded and ethically guided,” she said.
Alupo also urged the clergy to continue promoting wealth creation and household income enhancement within their communities as a pathway to Uganda’s attainment of middle-income status.
“Initiatives like this are well aligned with our national goals. I encourage you to remain steadfast in this mission,” she added.
She pledged her continued support for TEPAL’s future initiatives and called on other stakeholders to offer their backing.
She also reaffirmed her readiness to work closely with the association to promote development and moral upliftment across the country, not just in Eastern Uganda.
The Vice President concluded her remarks by wishing the faithful blessings, strength, and peace in their efforts to foster spirituality and harmonious living.
TEPAL has already registered notable achievements, including support for priestly ordinations, church construction, clergy welfare, dignified send-offs for departed clergy and laity, and mobilization of professionals, politicians, and technocrats from across the region and beyond.
The annual Mass was graced by the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, H.E. Luigi Bianco, and featured the main celebrant, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru. Also in attendance were the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tororo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Obbo; Bishop of Kotido, Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu; Bishop of Moroto, Rt. Rev. Damiano Guzzetti; and Bishop of Jinja, Rt. Rev. Martin Wamika.
In his homily, Bishop Eciru reflected on the recent passing of Pope Francis, whom he described as “much beloved” and remembered for his pastoral visit to Uganda. He expressed gratitude to God for the new pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, and prayed for the success of his ministry as the universal shepherd.
Regarding TEPAL, Bishop Eciru emphasized the importance of laity associations in fulfilling the Church’s mission of striving for a more perfect Christian life.
“May our communion and association help restore a message of life filled with hope. Let us strive to connect souls in a way that nourishes and uplifts,” he said.
