President Yoweri Museveni has contributed Shs.320 million towards the re-construction is a Cathedral prominent for having hosted and catered of thousands of internally displaced people during the Kony insecurity in the 1990s.
St. Peter’s Cathedral, Soroti – Church of Uganda received this donation during its fundraising drive on Sunday, presided over by the President in Soroti Sports Grounds, Soroti Municipality.
In both cash and pledges, funds to the tune of Shs.600 million were registered. The President also auctioned 2 bulls at Shs.300 million.
The Cathedral is according to State Press also popular for hosting hundreds of civilians that ran away from Karimojong cattle rustlers.
The fundraising drive aimed at building an expanded cathedral structure that is capable of sitting 25,000 people. The construction project, on completion, is expected to cost Shs.3 billion.
Mr. Museveni had earlier been conducted on a tour of the site by the Bishop of Soroti Diocese, the Rt. Rev. George William Erwau, witnessed the on-going construction works.
The present Cathedral that was built in 1961, has a sitting capacity of 500 people. It serves as seat of Soroti Diocese and takes care of Church of Uganda Christians in the entire Teso Sub-Region.
Captain Mike Mukula, the National Resistance Movement Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, who heads the fundraising drive, described the 56-year old diocesan institution as a big symbol of unity in the region which, he said, has also greatly contributed to the development of Teso Sub-Region. He appeals to everybody to generously support the fundraising campaign.
Additional reporting by PPU
