Raising funds to build the barracks church

Last week, Christians of St Stephens Church of Uganda in Nsambya Police Barracks held a fundraising event purposely for collecting Shs40m needed for erecting a perimeter fence and cementing the courtyard.

This was the first event of its kind since the church’s inception in 1964.
Charles Tumwesigye, one of the founders, also a senior police officer says during the initial days, they worshipped under a tree.

They were later accommodated in one of the barracks halls which also served as a residence for the police officers.

Background
The place was very inconvenient for worshipping as some police officers often interrupted the service by pulling out their mattresses and blankets to rest. The congregants were later chased away and accused of disorganising the residence.

They spent several days without praying until they begged the barracks administrators for a piece of land where they could build their worship centre. Their plea was heard and in 1980, Christians begun pooling resources until the church was complete in 1983.

“The first service was led by late Canon John Adega and the church was filled to capacity. It was joy from the eve to the commissioning day. We danced and praised God for having enabled us to build our own church.”

Tumwesigye says the number of Christians has reduced citing the cause as the demolition of houses along the railway line in Nsambya by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

Rev Dr Medard Birungi who was the main celebrant urged the Christians to give out wholeheartedly, discriminately, patiently, and unconditionally.

“I have educated more than 80 university students since 1990. This is because my heart is committed to giving. You should learn to give out cheerfully, painfully, proportionately, lovely, zealously and wisely.”

Emulate others
Citing an example of Mapeera House on Kampala Road that houses Centenary Bank, the Reverend Birungi challenged Anglicans to emulate the Catholics way of contribution towards the church projects.

“The Mapeera house was built in a few years. But the construction of Church of Uganda House in town started in 1960s but it is still under construction.

Most of our schools are in a sorry state. But those for Catholics are shinning. We should emulate their way of contribution towards church projects,” said Dr Birungi.
Sam Engola, minister of state for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, who was the chief guest re-echoed the celebrant’s message by urging Christians to share the little they have with those in need.

“I have also sponsored over 300 university students. The more I give the more God rewards me. When I give out one million, the following day He gives me other two millions. You should therefore share the little you have with those in need.”

The minister, who contributed Shs5m in cash and sold a goat at Shs1m, adds that he has participated in the construction of more than 120 worship places for both Christians and Muslims.

More than Shs35m was collected in cash and pledges. Items which were auctioned include goats, chicken and food stuffs.

Quick notes
Church: St Stephens Church of Uganda in Nsambya.
The first celebrant: Canon John Adega (RIP)
Erected: Christians pooled resources from 1980 and completed it in 1983
Upside: Last year, it served as shelter for the barracks residents when their homes were gutted by fire.
Congregants: Majority are police officers