Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa officially handed over the nearly completed St. Charles Lwanga Church to parishioners of Kigarama in Mitooma District. The event was marked by a mass of thanksgiving, led by Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha of the Mbarara Archdiocese.
The Archbishop consecrated the Catholic church, now 83% complete, with Mr. Tayebwa's unwavering support. In his address, Fr. Bainomugisha praised Tayebwa for his generous contribution and urged the congregation to follow his example by actively contributing to their community and serving God.
"I want to thank Mzee Daudi Bangirana, the father of the deputy speaker, and the deputy speaker Tayebwa for this beautiful church of St. Charles Lwanga," Fr. Bainomugisha said. "Each of us should emulate him and give back to the community where we can."
Addressing the crowd, Mr. Tayebwa dispelled rumors that taxpayer money was used for the church's construction. "This church isn't complete yet, but we are not fundraising. We already have the money to complete it. Those saying I am using government money, no, I am not," he clarified. "I was able to raise Shs1.7 billion in an hour with my friends including [Geoffrey] Kirumira, Hamis Kigundu, Sudhir Ruparelia, Ben Kavuya, and Amos Nzei, and that's how we started this church construction."
These friends, all prominent business moguls with extensive interests in Kampala and beyond, contributed significantly to the church project.
During the ceremony, Tayebwa's father, Mr. Bangirana, expressed his deep gratitude. "My father died at 35 years, and I am 80 years old. My wife is 74 years old. We want to thank God for life and for our son, and that's why I want to give thanks to God," he shared with the congregation.
As a proud father of 12, including eight sons, Mr. Bangirana's joy was palpable as he witnessed his long-cherished dream come true, reflecting the happiness shared by his son, the deputy speaker, and his family.
