By Mukama Philip Kahigiriza
Nebbi
The Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA) is an umbrella association uniting all Catholics that hail from Mbarara Archdiocese living in Kampala and Surrounding areas such as Entebbe, Mukono, Wakiso and Jinja.
AMDA joined efforts with the Nebbi Catholic Diocese in a sports gala aimed at raising funds for the upcoming Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations. Led by Mr. Christopher Gumisiriza Emanzi ya Ruhinda, the event showcased a variety of sports including golf, scrabble, volleyball, tag of war, and football. His Lordship Raphael Wokoratch, the Bishop of Nebbi Diocese, inaugurated the gala with a prayer and a ceremonial kick-off.
The event drew a notable crowd, with guests such as Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, the Ugandan parliamentary deputy speaker, and H.E Fukazawa Hidemoto, the Japanese ambassador to Uganda, in attendance. Dr. Innocent Nahabwe, the director of Zina Group of Companies, and Mr. Gervase Ndyanabo, the East African chairperson of laity in the Catholic faith, also showed their support.
As Nebbi Catholic Diocese prepares to lead the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3rd, this joint effort with AMDA Uganda is seen as a crucial step in ensuring the success of the event. In his closing remarks, His Lordship Raphael Wokoratch expressed gratitude towards AMDA for their support, stating, “Everyone who is here, we are all here for a noble cause. I would like to thank AMDA for their initiatives in organizing these friendly matches. This is the first archdiocese to offer us the necessary support we need.”
The collaboration between AMDA Uganda and Nebbi Catholic Diocese in the sports gala not only showcases unity and sportsmanship but also highlights the importance of community support in cultural and religious celebrations. It is evident that through such events, the spirit of togetherness and generosity flourishes, leading to the success of significant occasions like the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations. A total of twenty million Uganda shillings was collected at the function.
The AMDA team managed to win only volleyball game while the hosts, diocese of Nebbi won the other games.
