Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa officially handed over St. Charles Lwanga Church to the Kigarama parishioners in Mitooma District, Uganda, on Sunday. The ceremony began with a thanksgiving mass led by Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha of Mbarara Archdiocese. The church, which is 83 percent complete, was consecrated by the archbishop with Tayebwa’s support.
Fr. Bainomugisha praised Tayebwa for his generous contribution and urged the congregation to follow his example by giving back to the community and serving God. He also extended gratitude to Tayebwa’s father, Mzee Daudi Bangirana, for his role in this project and encouraged everyone to contribute to their communities.
Mr. Tayebwa refuted allegations that taxpayer money was used for the church’s construction.
“This church isn’t finished yet, but we’re not seeking donations; we already have the funds to complete it. Claims that government money is being used are false,” Tayebwa stated.
He explained that he, along with friends such as Geoffrey Kirumira, Hamis Kigundu, Sudhir Ruparelia, Ben Kavuya, and Amos Nzei, raised Shs1.7 billion in just an hour to fund the project. These friends are prominent business figures with significant investments in Kampala and beyond.
Addressing the congregation, Mr. Bangirana shared, “My father passed away when he was 35, and now I am 80, with my wife being 74. We want to express our gratitude to God for our lives and our son, which is why we are giving thanks.”
As a father of 12, including eight sons such as the deputy speaker, he expressed immense pride in his children. He radiated happiness as his long-held wish came true, reflecting the joy seen in the faces of his son, the deputy speaker, and his wife.
