The Kampala Ecclesiastical Province has been appointed to organize the 17th Annual National Caritas Week in 2027, following the successful conclusion of this year’s celebrations hosted by the Jinja Diocese.
The 16th Annual National Caritas Week 2026 was held under the theme “Be transformed by renewing your mind” (Romans 12:2), which guided discussions on poverty, development, and sustainability across Uganda.
The announcement was made during the closing ceremony at Jinja Cathedral, where Joseph Franzelli, Bishop Emeritus of Lira Diocese in the Gulu Ecclesiastical Province, officially handed over the responsibility to the Kampala Ecclesiastical Province.
However Lugazi Diocese has been selected to host the 2027 Annual National Caritas week celebrations.
In his closing remarks, Fr. Denis Wanzala Ngobi, Caritas Director for Jinja Diocese, emphasized the urgent need for a shift in mindset as a key factor in addressing persistent poverty, particularly in eastern Uganda.
He noted that regions such as Busoga and Bukedi remain among the poorest in the country despite benefiting from numerous government programs and support from development partners.
According to Fr. Ngobi, the challenge lies less in the lack of opportunities and more in gaps in implementation, ownership, and community attitudes toward development initiatives.
Fr. Ngobi also highlighted a widespread perception that Caritas is primarily a source of financial aid rather than a development partner.
He warned that this mindset has limited community ownership of projects, with many beneficiaries viewing them as external donations instead of locally driven initiatives.
Fr. Ngobi called for a renewed understanding of Caritas’ role, urging communities to take greater responsibility in sustaining development efforts for long-term impact.
By Our Reporter
30th Mar 2026
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