The St. Karoli Lwanga Church, recently completed by Thomas Tayebwa, was constructed in honor of his grandmother, Busingye Julita. Tayebwa shared that the total cost of the church amounted to sh2.7 billion. He emphasized that most of the funding was provided by his friends, rather than government funds.
During a thanksgiving mass for Tayebwa’s father, Mzee Daudi Bangirana, it was revealed that prominent figures such as King Caesor Mulenga contributed significantly to the church’s construction. Despite some public rumors suggesting that taxpayer money was used, Tayebwa clarified that the funds came from private donations.
Tayebwa expressed frustration over these misconceptions, stating, “I saw people saying you get government money, you build such a church. In less than one hour when they (friends) passed home, these people gave me sh1.7 billion. Mr. Amos Nzeyi has given me sh50 million.” He assured that the project will be completed as planned.
Mzee Bangirana, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, expressed his gratitude and joy over the church project. Reflecting on his life, Bangirana noted, “On the 20th of this July, I became 80 years old. My father died at 35 years, and I was the firstborn in the family. My father had three wives, his brothers, and many others. I don’t know how God did it.”
At the same event, Anita Annet Among, the current Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, has announced her plan to transfer her position to her Deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, in 2031. Among made this declaration on July 28, 2024, during a thanksgiving ceremony in Mitooma district, which also served as the commissioning of St. Karoli Lwanga Kigarama Catholic parish.
Among, who will complete her term in office before handing over the role, emphasized that her decision reflects her belief that clinging to power is unnecessary. “I only have one term to serve; when I finish serving my one term, I give it (the mantle) to Rt. Hon. Tayebwa to continue. Because you don’t need to cling to power. I have one term to go then I hand it over to him,” she said.
The ceremony was notable not only for Among’s announcement but also for the presence of several dignitaries. Attendees included former Prime Ministers Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, as well as President Yoweri Museveni’s brother, Michael Nuwagira, also known as Toyota. Other notable figures were Uganda Prisons Service boss Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama, and businessmen Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and Hamis Kiggundu.
During the event, Among praised Tayebwa and urged the people of Mitooma to support his return to Parliament. Her comments come amid growing calls for her resignation from youth groups protesting alleged corruption. Despite these calls, Among has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has stated she will not resign.
In Uganda’s Parliament, it is customary for both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker to be from the ruling party. Opposition attempts to secure the deputy speaker position have often failed. Traditionally, the Deputy Speaker, after serving two terms, is promoted to the Speaker position.
Following the mass led by Mbarara Archdiocese’s Bishop Lambert Bainomigisha, attendees moved to Rwakitandara playground for a rally by President Museveni.
