Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has clarified that the funding for the construction of St. Charles Lwanga Church in Kigarama Parish, Mitooma District, did not come from taxpayer money but rather from contributions made by his friends.
During the handover ceremony on Sunday, which featured a solemn mass of thanksgiving led by Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha of Mbarara Archdiocese, Tayebwa addressed the congregation to dispel rumors regarding the church’s financing.
“This church isn’t complete yet, yes, but we are not fundraising. We already have the money to complete it. Those that are saying I am using government money, no, I am not,” Tayebwa stated emphatically. He detailed that he managed to raise Shs1.7 billion in an hour with the support of prominent business figures.
Tayebwa mentioned contributors like Geoffrey Kirumira, Hamis Kigundu, Sudhir Ruparelia, Ben Kavuya, and Amos Nzei, all of whom are well-known business moguls with extensive interests in Kampala and beyond. These friends, he explained, were instrumental in initiating the construction of the church.
Sudhir Ruparelia led a team of Kwagalana businessmen to attend the function in Mitooma.
The ceremony, which saw the church handed over to the local parishioners, was marked by Fr Bainomugisha’s praise for Tayebwa’s benevolence. The Archbishop encouraged the congregation to emulate Tayebwa’s example by contributing to their community and serving God in their capacities.
“I want to thank Mzee Daudi Bangirana, the father of the deputy speaker, and Deputy Speaker Tayebwa for this beautiful church of St. Charles Lwanga,” Bainomugisha said. “Each of us should emulate him and give back to the community where we can.”
In his remarks, Mr. Daudi Bangirana, Tayebwa’s father, expressed his gratitude and reflected on the blessings of his long life. “My father died at 35 years and I am 80 years, my wife is 74 years, so we want to thank God for life and our son, and that’s why I want to give thanks to God,” Bangirana shared, his pride evident as he acknowledged the fulfillment of his long-cherished dream.
As a father of twelve, including eight sons, Bangirana beamed with joy alongside his son, the deputy speaker, and his wife, as the church stands at 83 percent completion, a testament to their collective efforts and faith.
