Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation and NRM National Vice Chairperson for the Western Region, joined the faithful of Hoima Catholic Diocese at Bujumbura Parish in Hoima City for prayers, thanksgiving and fellowship in an event that brought together religious leaders, community members, and local leaders in a shared reflection on faith, service and community responsibility.
The gathering was marked by messages of gratitude, mentorship, youth empowerment and support towards social services, with church leaders and community members emphasising the importance of faith-inspired leadership and collective action in improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
During the service, the Vicar General of Hoima Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Abooki, publicly commended Hon. Asiimwe for his courage and dedication to service. Addressing the congregation, he described the Minister as a brave and blessed leader, saying, “Blessings go to the brave, but God reserves His blessings for all. Hon. Jonard, you are a brave man and blessed.”
The remarks were received with applause from the congregation and added to an atmosphere that underscored the close relationship between faith, leadership and service to society.
Presidential Advisor and Omujwara Kondo, Dr. Kabagambe Kaliisa, also addressed the faithful and spoke about his longstanding relationship with Hon. Asiimwe. He described him as a committed young leader capable of effectively carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to him by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Dr. Kabagambe’s remarks highlighted the role of mentorship in nurturing leadership and preparing younger generations for national service.
While speaking to the congregation, Hon. Asiimwe used the occasion to deliver a message directed especially to young people. He encouraged the youth to respect the guidance of parents, elders, teachers and mentors, noting that wisdom and experience remain essential pillars in shaping responsible leaders.
He shared that mentorship had played a significant role in his own journey and acknowledged the guidance he had received from Dr. Kabagambe Kaliisa over the years. He urged young people to remain disciplined, seek counsel, value education and prepare themselves to serve their communities and country with integrity.
Beyond the messages shared during the service, the event was also characterised by tangible support towards community development initiatives.
As part of his contribution to improving healthcare services, Hon. Asiimwe donated 400 bags of cement towards the construction of St. John XXIII Hospital Bujumbura, a diocesan health facility whose development is expected to strengthen access to medical services for the surrounding communities.
He also extended support to education by contributing UGX 2 million to St. Bernadette Primary School to facilitate the purchase of textbooks for learners. The contribution was aimed at improving access to learning materials and supporting the academic growth of pupils.
The support towards both healthcare and education reflected a broader message that faith and community leadership should be accompanied by practical action that addresses the needs of the people.
The congregation welcomed the contributions with gratitude, while church leaders offered prayers for continued unity, development and service to the nation.
The gathering at Bujumbura Parish concluded as a moment of worship, reflection and renewed commitment to community transformation, bringing together faith, leadership and service in a way that resonated strongly with the faithful of Hoima Catholic Diocese.
