The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has asked Christians to contribute at least 60,000 Shillings towards the Church House.
The money is part of the 48 Billion Shillings debt for the Church House building located along Kampala road that is at risk of being auctioned.
Equity Bank extended 41 billion Shillings to the Church of Uganda towards the construction of the 16 storied building and currently demands 40 Billion Shillings. The 8 Billion Shillings is owed to different individuals and entities.
Speaking at the Martyrs day celebrations at the Nakiyaa Shrine, Archbishop Kaziimba said the fundraising drive under the theme “Yes, We Can!” is to be officially launched on Sunday 6th June at All Saints’ Cathedral, Kampala and a specific “Love Gift” bank account has been opened.
He says that completing the debt will help the Church in its self-governance drive. Kaziimba however dismissed reports that the Church House building was being auctioned.
Kaziimba said that the fundraising is not only restricted to Anglican Christians but to every well-wisher.
The Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah said that the amount the Church is asking Ugandans to contribute is less than what the Uganda Martyrs endured when they were killed and that all Ugandans should be willing to contribute to the cause.
He pledged that in the next six months, he would contribute 100 Million Shillings towards the debt and more next year. He also pledged to provide 5 solar lights for the Nakiyanja Martyrs Shrine.
In 2017, Equity Bank threatened to take over the structure which was valued at 58.8 Billion Shillings upon completion.
In 2018, the Bank again threatened to auction the building after the Church failed to service its loan and accumulated arrears.
To construct the building, Christians and well-wishers contributed about 10.8 Billion Shillings through fundraising but since the money was inadequate, the Church acquired a loan from Equity Bank through its business arm, the Church Commissioners Holding Company Limited in 2010.
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