VP Alupo rallies Christians in fight against poverty
Alupo urged believers to take advantage of government programs to improve their livelihoods.
VP Alupo rallies Christians in fight against poverty
Doreen Nasiima
Journalist @New Vision
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Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has called on Christians to actively participate in the fight against poverty by embracing hard work and self-sustainability.
Speaking at the rededication ceremony of Our Lady of Snows Virika Cathedral in Fort Portal Diocese on March 2, 2025, Alupo urged believers to take advantage of government programs to improve their livelihoods.
Alupo, who represented President Museveni as the chief guest, commended the church for its role in shaping responsible citizens and contributing to poverty eradication.
Archbishop Luigi Bianco, the Papal Nuncio to Uganda leading the mass.
"NRM leadership calls upon Ugandans to work hard and vanquish poverty in their households as a means of practicing self-sustainability," Alupo said.
The renovation of the 1,000-seater cathedral, which began three years ago at a cost of shillings 3.6 billion, reflects the church’s dedication to community development.
"The President praises the church-founded projects, which supplement government services and demonstrate the importance of partnership in achieving development goals," she added.
Alupo encouraged believers to support government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Programme, and Operation Wealth Creation.
"I urge youths not to prioritise getting rich quickly but instead focus on working hard and engaging in gainful employment and income-generating activities," she emphasised.
Calls for govt support
Bishop Robert Muhirwa of Fort Portal Diocese requested the Vice President to remind President Museveni of his unfulfilled pledge of shillings 2.3 billion for the construction of a library at Virika St Joseph’s Technical Institute, a commitment he made in 2018 during a visit to Uganda Martyrs University’s Fort Portal branch.
The bishop also appealed for more government support to complete unfinished projects, including a perimeter wall to secure the cathedral and priests' residences.
Archbishop Luigi Bianco, the Papal Nuncio to Uganda, encouraged Christians to use the Lent season as a time of unity and faith.