President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially inaugurated the newly constructed Shs 5.5 billion Butiiti Catholic Church in the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, praising the church for its contribution to spiritual growth and community development.
The ceremony, held on 29th February 2026, Palm Sunday, was attended on the President’s behalf by State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Buragahara. President Museveni commended Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere for his leadership of the Catholic Church in Uganda and Bishop Robert Muhiirwa for spearheading the expansion of the church in Fort Portal.
He also acknowledged the congregation and all contributors who helped bring the project to completion.
“This is a gesture of spiritual maturity,” the President said, emphasizing that investing in God’s work, such as building houses of worship, yields eternal rewards. He noted that the church’s mission extends beyond religious services to promoting unity, support, and welfare among communities.
President Museveni highlighted the Catholic Church’s pivotal role in education, healthcare, and economic development, praising its contribution to improving livelihoods across Uganda.
He encouraged the church to continue promoting hard work and to actively engage with government initiatives like the Parish Development Model, which aims to foster self-reliance and reduce poverty.
“The work of God has no limit, and I encourage you to continue supporting the church’s vision until we see Butiiti Diocese thriving above and beyond,” he said before officially inaugurating the church.
In his remarks, Minister Buragahara addressed reports of government involvement in the project. “The construction of the new multi-billion parish church at Butiiti Parish in Fort Portal Diocese has been 100% funded by the faithful Catholics within the parish. The Government of Uganda has not contributed any funds toward this project,” he clarified.
He added, “This remarkable achievement, costing over Shs 5.5 billion, was made possible through the leadership of Rev Father Benard Butekerezo Ateenyi, and the generosity, sacrifice, and unity of Butiiti Parish members over the past five years. Beyond the church itself, Butiiti Parish also runs a girls’ school, model farms, and other key infrastructures that serve both the spiritual and social needs of the community.”
Minister Buragahara concluded with a biblical reflection: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
