Kabale Diocese has rolled out a financial literacy program aimed at promoting economic empowerment and sustainability among the faithful across its parishes.
The initiative was officially launched at Kinanira Parish on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, by the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Fr. Fidel Ndagijimana, who described it as part of the Church’s mission to uplift communities both spiritually and economically.
During the launch, leaders from five Small Christian Communities (SCCs), St. Francis (Kinanira Hiika), St. Theresa (Nshungwe Hiika), St. Mathias (Muhanguzi Hiika), St. Theresa (Nyarurambi Hiika), and St. Cecilia (Muyange Hiika), each received UGX 1.25 million as startup capital to support income-generating projects.
Fr. Ndagijimana commended Bishop Callist Rubaramira for his visionary leadership in promoting programs that strengthen the financial capacity of Christians.
He cited Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) data indicating that poverty levels in Kigezi had risen from 12% in 2020 to 27% in 2024, attributing the increase partly to poor financial management among households.
“One of the major causes of poverty is the improper handling of finances. This program is designed to equip our communities with financial management skills before providing them with startup capital,” Fr. Ndagijimana explained.
He added that the financial literacy campaign will be implemented across the Diocese’s seven deaneries, Mutolere, Rubanda, Rushoroza, Bukinda, Kitanga, Nyakibale, and Makiro, with four parishes selected from each for the first phase, totaling 28 parishes. The remaining 15 parishes will benefit in the second phase.
Each deanery will target groups such as SCC leaders, married couples, youth, parents, and catechists. These groups will be empowered to identify and manage income-generating projects of their choice.
Gilbert Niyonshima, Branch Manager of PROMIC Kabale Diocese (Kisoro Branch), conducted financial literacy training during the seminar. He urged participants to embrace record keeping, budgeting, and accountability.
“Always keep records of your income and expenditure to track the growth of your projects. Involve all members of your SCCs in daily activities to ensure collective success,” he advised.
PROMIC (Promotion of Micro Enterprises) operates 11 branches under Kabale Diocese, offering soft loans at a 2.5% reducing interest rate. Unlike commercial banks and moneylenders, PROMIC combines lending with financial education.
Fr. Ndagijimana encouraged the faithful to practice financial discipline beyond Church activities.
“Financial discipline should start at home. Every family should make a budget to understand its income and expenditure,” he said.
Sr. Gladys Kyoshabire, the Assistant Human Resource Manager for the Diocese, reminded the beneficiaries that the capital support was a revolving fund, meant to be repaid to benefit others. She emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in managing group funds.
Kinanira Parish Priest Fr. Augustine Munyandamutsa thanked the Diocese for initiating the program, saying it would transform livelihoods and strengthen the bond among Small Christian Communities.
Meanwhile, in Rubanda Parish, the Diocesan Family and Youth Ministries held a parallel session with parents and young people from 10 families, focusing on family cooperation and financial empowerment.
Sr. Judith Atukwatse, Family Ministry Coordinator, urged parents to bridge the gap with their children and engage them in productive work.
Fr. Januario Nomugisha, Director of Youth and Children Ministry, emphasized spiritual unity in families, reminding them that “a family that prays together stays together.”
Felix Abaho, Diocesan Youth Coordinator, encouraged youth and parents to embrace a saving culture and teamwork in running family projects. Participants in Rubanda formed a group called the “Model Family Association”, choosing piggery and cabbage farming as their first projects.
The group will meet monthly, save Shs 5,000 per member, and open a joint account with PROMIC. The Diocese contributed Shs 1 million in seed funding, repayable after one year to support other groups.
Fr. Isaac Turinawe, Project Supervisor for Rubanda Parish, commended the initiative and urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely for the growth of their families and communities.
Participants in both Kinanira and Rubanda parishes expressed gratitude to the Diocese for its financial and spiritual support, pledging to use the training and capital to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the Church’s development.
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