Sacred Heart of Jesus Ediofe Cathedral in Arua Diocese
Arua Catholic Diocese has launched an initiative to build a pool of local donors to support development initiatives of the diocese.
Dubbed “Arua Diocese Local Donors Development Forum”, the initiative comes at the time when the diocese is grappling with reduced foreign donor support towards diocesan development programs.
The forum offers a platform for different Individuals, groups or Organizations such as professionals, business communities, Civic and public leaders; to share ideas, contribute and participate in the development planning, budgeting, financing and implementation of the development programs of the Diocese.
Speaking during the official launch of the initiative at Sacred Heart of Jesus Ediofe Cathedral in Arua city on Saturday, Rt. Rev. Sabino Ocan Odoki, the Bishop of Arua diocese noted that it is no longer sustainable for the diocese to continue relying on foreign donors.
Odoki further said that under the initiative every Christian in the Diocese will be required to donate 100 Shillings every month to support the Diocesan Development Projects.
According to a recent census carried out by Arua diocese, there are about 2.5 million Catholics spread out in eight districts and Arua city within the diocese.
The diocesan authorities project to raise about 250 million Shillings every month through the initiative.
Alfred Okuonzi, the LCV Chairperson Arua welcomed the initiative noting that over reliance on foreign funding is increasingly becoming dangerous especially in the current phenomenon when some western countries are promoting foreign culture like homosexuality and LGBTQ.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Pious Yobuta, the chairperson of Arua diocesan Priests Association has rallied Christians in all the 62 parishes in the diocese to support initiative for the holistic development of the diocese.
“There is a need for our Christians to support this drive such that development programs of the Diocese can be implemented”, Yobuta remarked.
Among the priority projects that have been earmarked include, the construction of a nursing home for sick, retired and elderly Priests at St. Peter and Paul Pokea minor seminary in Ayivu division, Arua City.
Some of the donors that have over the years been supporting Arua diocese include, Comboni missionaries, DKA, Holy childhood, Missio Aachan, Missio München, Church in need, Episcopal conference of Italy, Miva Austria among others. The donations range from financial support, Pastoral support, education and training support from priests and the lay faithful and Vehicle donation.
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