Summary:
- Mrs. Katabazi emphasized that her gift was driven not by politics but by her personal devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
RUBANDA: In an inspiring demonstration of faith, Mrs. Jacqueline Katabazi, the Rubanda District Woman MP hopeful on Sunday donated a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the Catholic community of Rwaseyeza Hiika under Kishanje Catholic Parish, Kabale Diocese, in Mugyera Buhutu town council, Rubanda District.
The donation was presented in response to a request made by Rwaseyeza Hiika parishioners a few months earlier.
Mrs. Katabazi emphasized that her gift was driven not by politics but by her personal devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“This donation isn’t about politics,” Mrs. Katabazi said. “It’s about the respect and love that my family and I have for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mother Mary has done so much for my family, and I believe she will do the same for you.”
She shared that after learning about Rwaseyeza’s wish for a statue, she felt a strong urge to fulfill their request. “I promised myself to deliver it. I discussed it with my family, and we agreed to bring it to you.”
News of the statue’s arrival quickly spread, and hundreds of parishioners gathered to witness the event. As the statue arrived, many were moved to tears, while others danced and sang in joyous celebration, welcoming Mother Mary with heartfelt devotion.
Rev. Fr. Ireneus Tibemanya, the parish priest of Kishanje Catholic Parish, led the Mass and commended Mrs. Katabazi for her generous contribution. He noted that the statue would encourage parishioners to pray the rosary, fostering stronger family bonds and deeper devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Posiano Nshekantebirwe, the catechist of Rwaseyeza Hiika, explained that the community had constructed a grotto a dedicated space for the statue over the past three years. He acknowledged that while others had promised a statue, none had fulfilled the commitment until Mrs. Katabazi stepped in.
“Her swift action in a matter of months is a blessing to our Catholic community,” he said.
Clare Kemitumba, president of the Legion of Mary in Kishanje Parish, expressed gratitude for the gift, noting that Rwaseyeza Catholics’ prayers through the Virgin Mary might bring Mrs. Katabazi success in her bid for the Woman MP seat in Rubanda District.
Mrs. Jacqueline Katabazi has expressed her intent to run for the position of Woman MP for Rubanda District in 2026.
