AMDA Launches 11th Caravan, Set for Nyamitanga in August 2025

The Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA) has launched its 11th Caravan, scheduled to take place from August 29 to 31, 2025.

This year’s Caravan is set for Nyamitanga, having received the Caravan torch from the 2024 beneficiaries, Rushooka Parish in Ntungamo District. The AMDA Caravan is an annual flagship event that visits a selected parish within the Archdiocese of Mbarara. The three-day event involves engagements in various areas within Ankole, aiming to foster a shift in mindset among the local community. The Caravan features discussions and interactions with the host parish on seven key pillars, focusing on experience-sharing and empowering parishioners.

Since its inception in 2013, the AMDA Caravan has made a significant impact, reaching 27 parishes in the archdiocese. The activities undertaken during the event are designed to empower communities in various aspects of life aligned with AMDA’s seven pillars: Unity, Spiritual Development, Leadership Development, Economic Empowerment, Education Development, Health & Wellness, and Environmental Sustainability.

The Caravan will proceed to Mbarara City, specifically to Nyamitanga, also known as the Cathedral Parish, as it is home to the cathedral and St. John Baptist Parish Kibona. AMDA will also extend support to the education sector at St. Charles in Katukuru Parish, which oversees seven primary schools and one secondary school—St. Peter’s Secondary School, Katukuru. The jurisdiction of the parish also spans parts of Isingiro, Rwampara, and Mbarara Districts.

According to Mr. Chris Gumisiriza, the chairman of AMDA, while many residents of Mbarara City have access to basic healthcare services, significant challenges persist, especially in the rural areas surrounding the city.

“Access to specialized care remains limited. The city faces issues common to many developing regions, including infectious diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health concerns, and non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension. While Mbarara City has made progress in healthcare provision, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to quality health services for all residents. Improvements are needed in infrastructure, training, and resource allocation to better serve the population’s health needs,” he stated during the launch, addressing AMDA members and partners.

With a budget exceeding UGX 500 million, Mr. Gumisiriza called on partners, sponsors, and participants to collaborate in raising the necessary funds. Sponsorship opportunities are available in various sectors, including health camps, education, economic empowerment, publicity, life skills, legal aid, veterinary services, and leadership development.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, who was the chief guest at the launch, commended AMDA members and their leaders for their dedication to supporting those in their home villages.

“We must uplift our less fortunate people. The problem with many leaders is greed. Leaders should be solving problems, not creating them. Leadership is a privilege granted through elections, and those elected must respect their constituents,” he remarked.

Gen. Otafiire contributed UGX 10 million towards the Caravan’s activities. Other dignitaries in attendance included Cathedral Administrator and Parish Priest for Nyamitanga, Rev. Fr. Richard Ssebugwawo; AMDA Chaplain Rev. Fr. Dr. Darius Magunda; Head of Laity for Uganda, Mr. Gervase Ndyanabo; Mbarara District Woman MP, Hon. Ritah Bwahika; and Buwheju MP, Hon. Francis Mwijukye, among many others.