KAMPALA, Uganda — The Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA) has officially launched its 13th annual Caravan, which will this year head to St. Claret Nyabwina Parish in Sheema District.
The launch dinner was held Thursday at Hotel Africana in Kampala and attracted government officials, religious leaders, development partners and members of the association.
AMDA Chairman Mr. Chris Gumisiriza said the annual Caravan remains one of the association’s flagship outreach programs aimed at giving back to communities in Mbarara Archdiocese through health services, education support, economic empowerment and environmental conservation.
He said the Caravan has so far covered 12 areas and reached 28 parishes, impacting thousands of people through free medical camps and other community programs.
Vice President H.E. Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, who was the guest of honor, praised AMDA for complementing government efforts in community development.
“Sustainable development is a collective journey; the State cannot walk it alone. We value and remain committed to supporting strategic partnerships with organizations like AMDA that align with our national priorities in health, economic empowerment, and environmental care. Together, we can build a resilient and prosperous Uganda,” Alupo said.
This year’s Caravan that will cost UGX 672,990,000 will be held from 4th to 6th September 2026 at St. Claret Nyabwina Parish in Sheema District after the parish received the Caravan torch during the previous outreach in Nyamitanga, Mbarara City, in September 2025.
According to AMDA, a pre-visit assessment in Nyabwina identified several challenges, including limited healthcare access, unemployment among youth and women, environmental degradation, and infrastructure gaps in schools. At St. Thomas Senior Secondary School, officials cited congestion, lack of a computer laboratory, inadequate library facilities and poor accommodation for staff.
As part of the 2026 Caravan, AMDA plans to organize a free medical camp, legal aid clinic, skills training sessions, leadership development talks, tree planting drives and economic empowerment programs, especially for women and youth.
Other guests at the launch included Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, Sheema District Woman MP Rosemary Nyakikongoro and other dignitaries.
