By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
MBARARA
The Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA) marked a historic milestone as its 11th annual caravan culminated in a vibrant celebration at Nyamitanga Cathedral, coinciding with the parish’s 125th anniversary and the Catholic Church’s Year of Pilgrimage.
Presiding over Mass, His Grace Archbishop Lambert Beinomugisha likened Nyamitanga Hill to Mount Zion, calling the AMDA visit a sacred return to spiritual roots. He praised the faithful for their acts of service and urged Christians to be “keepers of their brothers and sisters,” contrasting them with Cain, who denied responsibility for Abel. “Thank you for bringing hope to your brothers and sisters,” he concluded.The Archbishop also reflected on the growth of Catholicism in Ankole over the past 125 years, noting the Holy Spirit’s presence in inspiring good works within communities.
Emmanuel Mbarebaki, Chairperson of Nyamitanga Parish Council, expressed gratitude to AMDA for choosing Nyamitanga as the caravan’s destination. He called on all Catholics from Mbarara Archdiocese living in Kampala and surrounding areas to join AMDA and contribute actively to its mission. “Anyone not participating in the Caravan and Believement Fund should wake up,” he urged.
AMDA Chairperson Chris Gumisiriza emphasized the symbolic significance of the event, noting that AMDA was born on Nyamitanga Hill as MDDA. “This is our umbilical cord,” he said. Despite a projected budget of UGX 600 million, the caravan raised UGX 350 million in cash and the rest were drug donations and other sundries but delivered a wide range of services.
Gumisiriza revealed that the medical camp saw 5,430 patients served, including 785 opthalamic case screenings and 70 cataract surgeries, 40 cleft lip cases were handled in partnership with Divine Mercy Hospital, which pledged to operate the remaining children for free. With the help of our learned friends 30 cases were referred to Uganda Law society for free legal services, awarded three scholarships where one was given to Kibona parish. Parish priest where the parish priest will identify one student with excellent performance to study for free from senior one up to senior six. The caravan also economically empowered 180 women with training in making soap, Vaseline and cooking briquettes.
Among other things done at the camp was blood donation where 231 units of blood were collected in partnership with Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS) Mbarara.
In the specialized Clinics, Cardiology attended to 269 patients, dental 359, Audiology 107 and 14 people received hearing devices, psychiatry 19, orthopedics 110, physiotherapy 70 and lab services 631.
Gumisiriza acknowledged support from National Medical Stores(HMS) who were the major donors contributing 50 million Uganda shillings, Suzana Community from Ohio in the USA who contributed 30 million Uganda shillings and Rushoka Parish in Ntungamo who contributed 10 million Uganda shillings.
Eng. Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of USAID and a founding member of AMDA, reflected on the group’s humble beginnings as a fellowship of Catholics from Mbarara living in Kampala. She praised AMDA’s impact but also highlighted the dire state of Uganda’s health sector.
“Hundreds slept at Maryhill to access free services at dawn. What we did in one day is little; what people need is much more,” she said.
As the caravan closed, the spirit of unity, service, and faith echoed across Nyamitanga hill reminding all that pilgrimage is not just a journey but a call to transform lives.
The vote for the 12th AMDA caravan went to Nyabwina Catholic parish in Sheema district.
