The Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA), an umbrella body bringing together Catholics from the Archdiocese of Mbarara living in Kampala, has set a fundraising target of Shs600 million to support a poverty alleviation and community empowerment campaign in Kyamwiru Parish, Rubirizi District.
The 13th annual AMDA caravan, scheduled for September 2027, will focus on improving livelihoods and addressing poverty in Kyamwiru Parish, identified as one of the poorest communities in the Archdiocese of Mbarara.
Speaking during a Partners Appreciation Dinner, AMDA Chairperson Chris Gumisiriza said the parish was selected because of the contrast between its high poverty levels and the economic opportunities surrounding the community.
He noted that despite its proximity to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which generates significant tourism revenue, and its fertile volcanic soils suitable for agriculture, the community continues to struggle with widespread poverty.
Gumisiriza explained that the planned intervention would combine medical outreach with practical livelihood support aimed at equipping residents with skills, resources and opportunities to improve their household incomes.
The programme will include agricultural demonstrations, distribution of farm inputs, vocational skills development and the provision of equipment to help beneficiaries establish and sustain income-generating activities.
He added that residents with vocational skills, particularly in areas such as carpentry and baking, would receive relevant tools and equipment to enable them to translate their skills into sustainable sources of income.
In the agricultural sector, AMDA plans to distribute farm inputs and demonstrate practical farming techniques to improve household productivity, food security and incomes.
The association will also organise empowerment talks and community training sessions, complemented by radio programmes to extend the reach of the campaign beyond direct beneficiaries.
Gumisiriza said the 2027 caravan targets more than 5,000 direct beneficiaries, while over 20,000 people are expected to benefit from empowerment messages shared through radio programmes and community training activities.
The Shs600 million budget will cater for the medical camp, poverty alleviation demonstrations, vocational skills development, agricultural support, equipment and logistical requirements associated with implementing activities in the relatively remote parish.
The Archbishop of Mbarara, the Most Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha, commended AMDA for the successful 2026 caravan held in Nyabwina Parish, Sheema District.
He described the initiative as a powerful demonstration of what the Church can achieve when its members unite in love, generosity and service to uplift vulnerable communities.
The 2027 caravan is expected to build on previous AMDA interventions by combining healthcare services with practical economic empowerment aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods and improving the welfare of communities in the Archdiocese of Mbarara.
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