The Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira, has urged residents to put aside grievances from the disputed July NRM primaries and focus on consolidating support ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Atwakiire, who is running as an independent candidate, made the call on Sunday while addressing hundreds of Christians at Holy Family Buhara Catholic Parish in Buhara Sub County, Ndorwa East Constituency, during the climax of BAAF 2025.
She said that despite disputes in the NRM primaries, unity and renewed mobilisation ahead of the January general elections would strengthen her mandate in Parliament and support ongoing development initiatives in Kabale District.
Atwakiire unveiled the House as her official campaign symbol, saying it represents her commitment to improving household incomes.
“I chose the House as my symbol because household income is still lacking. I commit to championing household income so that our people can join President Museveni’s call to enter the money economy. Let’s put something in our families and enable our children to attain education,” she said.
She asked parishioners to act as her agents and defend her track record and commitment to economically empowering families, stressing that “everything begins at home.”
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Placid Mugumya, the Chancellor of Kabale Diocese and Secretary to Bishop Callist Rubaramira, urged Christians to choose leaders who have shown integrity, a strong work ethic, and commitment to development.
Fr. Mugumya called on the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith and not be misled by false prophets or alarming world events, noting that true endurance in God leads to life. He reminded Christians that the Gospel calls them to spiritual alertness rather than fear, especially in times of conflict, disaster, and moral confusion.
He warned believers to “beware of deception,” saying many people today are quick to follow individuals who claim special powers or present themselves as saviours.
“Not everyone who speaks loudly in the name of God is sent by God,” he said, urging the faithful to test every teaching against Scripture and the teaching of the Church.
Fr. Mugumya further encouraged Christians to remain calm in the face of wars, famines, earthquakes and other disturbing events, saying such occurrences should not lead to panic. He explained that while they may be frightening, they are not proof that the world is ending, but a reminder of the need for conversion, hope, and deeper trust in God.
Speaking about persecution faced by believers, he said Christians should not be afraid when opposed because of their faith.
“Persecution is not a sign that God has forgotten you. It is often a sign that your faith is visible,” he said.
He emphasized that true strength in Christian life is rooted not in human ability or influence, but in the presence of God, encouraging Christians to rely on prayer, the sacraments, and a personal relationship with Christ rather than purely human strategies.
“Spiritual endurance’ comes from walking daily with God, not from our own power,” he added.
He said this endurance leads to life, explaining that those who persevere through suffering, trials and temptations with faith will gain spiritual salvation. He described Christian endurance as active, hopeful trust that God is at work even in pain and uncertainty.
Fr. Mugumya also cautioned against putting excessive trust in man-made institutions and material structures, comparing them to the Temple in the Gospel that Jesus said would one day be destroyed.
He reminded the congregation that buildings, systems and earthly achievements, though important, are temporary and cannot replace a living faith in God.
“Everything we see around us can pass away, but God’s word and God’s love do not pass away,” he said, urging Christians to invest more in what truly lasts: faith, love, mercy, integrity and service to others.
According to Rev. Fr. Dr. Julius Turyatoranwa, the Parish Priest, BAAF 2025 aimed at raising Shs 100 million to support the completion of the parish financial house in Buhara Trading Centre.
By the end of the event, the parish had raised Shs 100,965,200 in cash and pledges, along with 150 bags of cement, marking a major step toward completing the Parish Financial House in Buhara Trading Centre.
