Parishioners and friends of Soroti Catholic Diocese based in Kampala have raised a total of Uganda Shillings three hundred seventeen million shillings (317,000,000) to support the construction of Regina Caeli Cathedral in Soroti
The Diocese through the stewardship of Bishop Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach in 2019 started the construction project of the new Cathedral Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven) that is estimated to host 4000 Christians.
The estimated budget for the entire project whose construction works started in September 2022 is about UGX 8 billion.
The Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, also woman MP-Katakwi District who was chief guest in the event commended Bishop Eciru upon the key construction milestone saying Christians will continuously pray for his wisdom and health so that he can shepherd the flock in strength.
She pledged Government’s renewed support to the church, saying church Institutions compliment Government efforts in developing the country.
Alupo asked the parishioners to guard against corruption, a vice she said, hinders development.
She also urged them to renew their confidence in President Museveni who has served with visible and tangible results.
The Vice President donated UGX 10m and pledged another UGX 20m.
She also announced a pledge of UGX 5m from her colleague Gen Jeje Odong, who accompanied President Museveni to Vietnam.
Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach of Soroti Catholic Diocese said he was optimistic about a noble cause for which he was convinced, will be achieved.
Hon Opolot Okasaai, Minister of State for Energy said the Cathedral would be a signature mark in Soroti, and promised to rally behind the Bishop in its honor and completion.
James Ebitu, the chairperson of the organizing committee said the Bishop promoted this fundraiser to have a befitting house of God in Soroti.
He said that several people had expressed faith in the Church accountability system and even before the fundraiser event of the night, people of different denominations and traders had made several pledges.
The chairperson of the Catholic Diocese laity Association Godfrey Akiteng said the dinner was one of the many activities lined up to raise church funds.