Namirembe Diocese is seeking Shs3.5 billion to complete the construction of a new residence for the Bishop of Namirembe, the Right Rev Moses Banja.
The new house, which is estimated to cost about Shs5 billion, is being constructed to replace the diocese’s old bishop’s residence, which is among the oldest such houses in the country.
Bishop Banja was elected the eighth Bishop of Namirembe Diocese in 2023, replacing the Right Rev Kityo Luwalira.
Construction of the new residence started in August 2025 and has now reached the end of the first phase.
Speaking to journalists at the construction site, Bishop Banja said the diocese has so far spent about Shs1.5 billion on the project but still needs another Shs3.5 billion to complete all the planned works.
He said the residence will include a chapel where the bishop will worship and a guest wing for visiting bishops and other guests.
Bishop Banja said the diocese chose to construct the house in three phases, which he linked to the Christian belief in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
“And so this house is being built in three phases. The first phase is almost complete. Few things are supposed to be fitted in: the tiles, the windows and the doors. After putting all these in place, then we will come and reside in this very house, and then begin on the second phase, and then another phase, the last one,” he said.
The bishop said the diocese is now appealing to Christians, people from other faiths, schools, companies and other well-wishers to support the project.
As part of the fundraising drive, Namirembe Diocese will hold a marathon dubbed Mujje Tuzimbe on October 3, 2026.
Bishop Banja said the marathon is intended to bring together people from different backgrounds to contribute towards completing the residence.
“We have invited many people to come. We have added a number of our schools, our friends and many companies. We are inviting them to come and also join hands together. Our Christians and people of God from all over, and those from different faiths,” he said.
He encouraged people to support the project, saying contributions towards the construction would help the diocese complete what he described as a shared religious and institutional responsibility.
“The moment we do God’s work, God will also come on our side and do your work together, because He has all the resources. The resources He has given you, bring those resources and share with us,” he said.
The diocese has also prepared marathon kits for participants. One kit costs Shs20,000, while another costs Shs50,000.
Bishop Banja said each kit comes with items including a bottle and a bag, with proceeds going towards the construction of the bishop’s residence.
The diocese expects the entire project to be completed before the end of this year, subject to raising the funds required for the remaining phases.
The fundraising campaign comes as Namirembe Diocese seeks to mobilise its Christians, institutions and well-wishers to contribute towards the Shs3.5 billion balance needed to finish the project.
