The Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate in Gulu are urgently seeking UGX 3 billion to address the deteriorating state of their convent and construct new accommodations for the nuns. The congregation, founded in 1936 under the Gulu Archdiocese in Northern Uganda, laments the hazardous living conditions endured by the nuns due to the crumbling infrastructure at their 78-year-old convent.
Sister Grace Angelina Aciro, the Superior General of the congregation, disclosed that their efforts to construct a four-story building with 40 rooms have stalled on the second floor due to a lack of funds. The aging convent’s structures have been deemed unsafe, and meetings and gatherings are forced to be held elsewhere, particularly at Sacred Heart Girls Secondary School and Mother Angioleta Primary School during school breaks.
A recent heavy storm worsened their accommodation challenges, causing significant damage to their dormitory, kitchen, dining hall, store, and classroom block. As a result, 23 sisters undergoing training have been left without a place to sleep and study.
In response to the storm damage, the Office of the Prime Minister provided 386 iron sheets to the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate. State Minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, Grace Freedom Kwiyucwyiny, emphasized the emergency nature of the donation and urged the congregation to use the materials for their intended purposes. She also encouraged local technical personnel to monitor the donation’s use.
Kwiyucwyiny additionally delivered 100 iron sheets to Pece Secondary School in Pece-Laroo Division for the roofing of classroom blocks, which were initially constructed with parental support.
Despite Vice President Jessica Alupo’s promise of government support for renovation works at the Gulu convent earlier in the year, the congregation leaders claim that no such assistance has been forthcoming.
