The Pastoral Coordinator of Kabale Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Fideris Ndagijimana, has challenged Christians to use their God-given gifts diligently and work hard to improve their livelihoods.
In his homiky during the climax of the BAAF celebrations at Kabirizi Catholic Parish grounds in Nyarurambi Ward, Rubanda Town Council, Rubanda District on Saturday, Rev. Fr. Ndagijimana emphasized that every Christian has unique talents and abilities which, if well utilized, can lift families out of poverty and strengthen the Church.
He reiterated that Christians should not sit back and wait for handouts but instead take responsibility for shaping their own future, noting that the Church’s mission goes beyond spiritual nourishment to include the social and economic empowerment of the faithful.
According to him, hard work, discipline, and determination are key virtues every Christian must embrace in today’s challenging economic times.
He encouraged Christians to reflect on what they can do with the skills and resources available to them, instead of focusing only on what they lack.
Rev. Fr. Ndagijimana urged Christians to establish self-sustaining projects such as small businesses, farming ventures, and savings groups to generate income and support their families. He said such initiatives not only improve household welfare but also enable believers to support Church activities and community development.
Speaking as Guest of Honour, businessman Sunday Emmanuel Mwongyera, urged Christians to embrace coffee and avocado farming as a pathway to improved household income and environmental conservation.
He noted the growing global demand for avocados, especially in neighbouring Kenya, and highlighted coffee as one of the most lucrative agricultural enterprises in the region.
On behalf of the Mwongyera family, he pledged to donate over 10 Arabica coffee seedlings to every household in Rubanda West starting next year, emphasizing that financially stable families are better positioned to support Church growth.
Rubanda District Woman Member of Parliament and Commissioner of Parliament, Honorable Prossy Akampurira Begumisa Mbabazi, encouraged Christians to begin development at the household and Small Christian Community level as a strategy to fight poverty.
Rubanda West County Member of Parliament, Honorable Kamuntu Moses Mwongyera, also revealed plans to lobby for the establishment of an iron ore factory in the region to create employment opportunities for the youth.
By the end of the event, the parish had raised Shs 127,516,700 in cash and pledges, along with 300 bags of cement.
