“Build big churches, but build bigger schools-when you build bigger schools, they will produce products that will build much bigger churches,” Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa has encouraged the Anglican church.
Tayebwa made the call while officiating at the ground breaking ceremony of Sts Andrew and Philip’s Cathedral in Mukono Municipality on Sunday, February 25, 2024.
He recognized the contribution of the church towards enabling access to education, with particular reference to Uganda Christian University, Mukono, a Center of Excellence in the Heart of Africa.
“Mukono is now known as a centre of excellence. I visited UCU and I was amused by the beauty, the cleanliness, I am indeed proud of you; thank you Archbishop,” he said.
Tayebwa also urged the church leadership to encourage Christians to work hard, even as they seek God.
“Working is very important because some of us were getting worried that there are churches that are taking the route of telling people that it is all about prayer without working hard. If we only prayed, wouldn’t be able to build the cathedral,” said Tayebwa.
The Deputy Speaker also appreciated the Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev, Stephen Kazimba Mugalu for his role in unifying all religious leaders.
“Unity is important and religion should bring us all together. Archbishop Kazimba is a symbol of unity in Uganda,” Tayebwa said.
Kazimba rallied Christians of Mukono to support efforts to construct the new Cathedral, saying that the 39-year-old facility requires sh6bn.
“How many of you have built a Cathedral before. The Namirembe Cathedral was built when we were not born. Let us make history and build this cathedral,” Kazimba said.
He enumerated the importance of building the Cathedral, saying that it has nurtured some of the former prominent bishops of Church of Uganda, including Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo.
He challenged Mukono diocese which has a hand in the grooming of all Ugandan bishops and Archbishops who have gone through UCU, located in Mukono yet it lacks a cathedral.
“Today we have a challenge, as we celebrate the first anniversary of Bishop Enos Kitto Kagodo, I want to invite everyone to contribute. This Cathedral is for you, it is our project,” said Kazimba.
He appreciated the Deputy Speaker for supporting religious activities, saying that he always responds whenever called upon.
“He loves the church, he has supported several fundraising activities and the latest was the interior renovation of Namirembe cathedral where we raised one billion shillings,” said Mugalu.