The Catholic community of Kannabulemu parish in Kyebe Sub County in Kyotera district is hunting for at least Shillings 1billion to renovate the historical “Our Lady of Nazareth” Church. Built by White Fathers in 1902, “Our Lady of Nazareth” Church is one of the historical churches in the Masaka Diocese.
Kannabulemu parish is located on the Uganda-Tanzania border. One of the old trees planted near the church fell in March 2020 breaking its roof and walls. Reverend Father Pascal Kavuma, the Kannabulemu Parish Priest, says that they have embarked on plans to repair the historical church as a way of preserving its legacy.
He says that they are now looking for at least Shillings 1 billion for the repairs such that the church regains its original shape and glory as well as improving its general appearance. He explains that they want to replace Church’s wooden roof with metallic pillars, reinforce its walls and add some new iron sheets.
Fr Kavuma indicates that the disaster occurred when the diocese was preparing to hold the 125th-anniversary celebration for the existence of Nazareth parish, which is planned for 2027. According to him, their teams are currently reaching the local parishioners and those in the entire Masaka diocese and other well-wishers to raise the funds required for the works.
He explains that although the Church was party damaged, they cannot afford to lose it because of its significance since it became the centre of evangelism among the border communities in Uganda and Tanzania between the late 1890s and early 1900s.
Denis Bwanika, a laity in Nazareth Parish, says that they are optimistic that the renovation works will be completed before the planned anniversary celebration, saying that many Christians got concerned about the accident and are willing to support the project to repair it.
He says given its historical significance, the church can equally be recognized as a religious museum of the Catholic faith that can be promoted for tourism.
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