The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has concluded his farewell visit to the Diocese of Lango with a stop at Olyaka in Amolatar District, the geographical centre of Uganda. The visit drew thousands of residents to St. Paul's Church of Uganda, Olyaka, and featured high-level engagements with Amolatar District leadership and officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
During the visit, Archbishop Kaziimba pledged the Church's support toward developing the site into a major international tourism destination. He was accompanied by the Bishop of the Diocese of Lango, Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, and Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. John Charles Odurkami. The Archbishop confirmed that the land on which the geographical centre sits is titled and registered under the Registered Trustees of the Church of Uganda.
The government has already initiated plans to develop the site, with funding expected in the 2027/2028 Financial Year. Dr. Basil Ajer, Director of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and Dr. Jackie Nyiracyiza Besigye, the Commissioner in charge of Museums and Monuments, revealed that the development will transform Olyaka into a significant tourism hub, boosting local revenue and putting Amolatar District on Uganda's tourism map.
Archbishop Kaziimba urged Christians to offer themselves to Jesus Christ, describing it as the only way to heaven. He also called upon the faithful to surrender their lives to Jesus and bestowed success upon the people of Amolatar District. Morish Ogwal Omara, the Lc5 Chairperson for Amolatar District, expressed gratitude for the Archbishop's visit, describing it as a blessing to the district.
The district leadership welcomed the team from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and pledged the district's full support. Ogwal also called upon the people of Amolatar District and other stakeholders to embrace and support the ministry's vision of developing the centre of Uganda as a tourism site.
The Archbishop's visit marked the conclusion of his farewell tour to the Diocese of Lango, capping a series of engagements across the region. The visit showcased the Church's commitment to supporting development initiatives in the region. The geographical centre of Uganda is expected to become a major tourism destination, attracting visitors from across the world.
The development of the site is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs and boosting revenue. The Church's support for the project is seen as a significant boost to the government's efforts to develop the site. The Archbishop's visit has also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Church and government in promoting development initiatives.
Key points
- The Church of Uganda has pledged its support for the development of Uganda's geographical centre into a major international tourism destination.
- The government has initiated plans to develop the site, with funding expected in the 2027/2028 Financial Year.
- The development of the site is expected to transform Olyaka into a significant tourism hub, boosting local revenue and putting Amolatar District on Uganda's tourism map.
