Catholic Priest Appeals for “government’s partnership” in Ongoing National Shrine Construction in Kampala, Uganda

Kampala, 29 October, 2025 / 11:27 AM

The National Director of the Devotion to St. Jude Thaddeus in Uganda has called on the Ugandan government to support the ongoing construction of the National Shrine of St. Jude, which he describes as both “a pastoral mission and a national project."

In his welcome remarks at Holy Mass for the 71st anniversary of the devotion to St. Jude Thaddeus in the East African nation on Tuesday, October 28, the Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Fr. Joseph Mary Bbuye said that once completed, the National Shrine in the Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala will serve “not only as a religious landmark but also as an international symbol of peace, resilience, and faith-based diplomacy.”

He invited the government, through its relevant ministries and departments, to consider aligning with the Shrine’s development, ensuring that Naggulu Hill, where it is located, “becomes a well-organized spiritual and urban destination.”

“As the government implements its strategic plan for development, we see enormous potential for collaboration between the Church and the State in various ways, including partnerships in education, healthcare, youth skills training, and the promotion of faith-based tourism as a driver of social and economic growth,” said Fr. Bbuye.

The Ugandan-born Catholic Priest explained that the initiative, which has so far depended solely on local contributions and goodwill, has reached the roofing stage and is estimated to cost 7.5 billion Uganda shillings (US$ 2.15 million).

“Through voluntary service, small contracts, and faith-driven sacrifice, we have raised the structure to its current stage,” he said during the event held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help & St. Jude–Naggulu Parish, the national Shrine of St. Jude in Uganda.

He added that beyond its religious purpose, the Shrine represents a tangible contribution to Uganda’s national development. “It creates jobs, sustains artisans, strengthens family values, and enhances Uganda’s global image as a destination for faith-based tourism,” Fr. Bbuye said.

He went on to appeal for consideration regarding the tax burden on construction materials, which he said the Parish bears despite being a non-trading religious institution.

“We present this not as a complaint, but as a humble acknowledgment of our shared responsibility in nation-building,” he said in his October 28 remarks during the event that Uganda’s President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, graced.

The member of the Clergy of Kampala Archdiocese expressed optimism that the President’s presence at the celebration would inspire support for the completion of the Shrine through his presidential goodwill.

“We are confident that your government’s partnership will enable this sacred project to reach its final stage, not only for the Church but for the nation at large,” he said, and added, “Indeed, this Shrine will stand as a monument to faith and patriotism, a place where prayer meets development, and where the name of Uganda shall be raised high among nations.”

He thanked President Museveni for honouring the Church’s invitation and participating in the celebration, observing that his presence affirmed the government’s respect for the role of faith in shaping the country’s moral and social fabric.

“We are profoundly honoured that you accepted the invitation to join us on this 71st anniversary of the St. Jude devotion in Uganda,” the Ugandan Catholic Priest said, adding that President Museveni’s presence “fills our hearts with renewed hope.”

He reflected on the devotion to St. Jude in Uganda, describing it as a source of spiritual strength “that has comforted millions of believers and strengthened families in times of trial.”

“The devotion to St. Jude has become a beacon of hope for the desperate and the forgotten, reminding all that there is nothing God cannot do,” Fr. Bbuye said.

He added, “What began as a small missionary outpost has grown into a national centre of faith, attracting pilgrims from every region of Uganda and from across borders: Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and beyond.”

“Uganda, through Naguru, has become the spiritual hub of this devotion in East and Central Africa. Each year, pilgrims from Kenya and other parts of East Africa join us in novenas and feast day celebrations,” Fr. Bbuye said during the October 28 celebration.