Mbarara, Uganda – September 1, 2025– The Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA) has confirmed that Nyabwina Parish in Sheema District will host its 12th annual caravan in 2026, sparking excitement among parishioners and the wider community.

The announcement was made at the concluding Mass of the 11th AMDA Caravan presided over by His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, Archbishop of Mbarara who handed over the torch to Nyabwina Parish marking the start of a year-long preparation for what has become one of the most anticipated faith-driven community development initiatives in western Uganda.

The 11th AMDA Caravan was held between August 29 and 31, 2025, in Kibona and Nyamitanga parishes in Mbarara City. The three-day outreach was hailed as AMDA’s most ambitious yet, mobilizing thousands of residents and delivering services ranging from healthcare and economic empowerment to environmental conservation.

Nyabwina Parish, set against the hills of Sheema, carries unique historical and spiritual significance. Officially founded in 2004 after being carved out of Mushanga Parish, it became the first mission of the Claretian Missionaries in the Archdiocese of Mbarara. In 2009, the late Archbishop Paul K. Bakyenga entrusted the parish to the Claretians, who have since nurtured its growth under the patronage of St. Anthony Mary Claret. Known for vibrant liturgy, youth engagement, and a strong sense of missionary zeal, St. Claret Parish Nyabwina has steadily grown into a beacon of faith and service in Sheema and beyond.

“Nyabwina Parish embodies the values of unity and resilience that AMDA seeks to foster,” said one of the AMDA leaders. “We look forward to working with the community to deliver impactful programs that uplift the less privileged and inspire lasting change.”

Community leaders in Nyabwina have already begun mobilizing, pledging to collaborate with AMDA on pressing needs such as healthcare access, agricultural training, and youth empowerment. “This is a moment of pride for our parish,” said one catechist. “We are ready to work hand in hand with AMDA to make the 12th caravan a success and a blessing for our people.”

The 11th caravan in Mbarara set a new benchmark. With a budget exceeding 500 million shillings and an estimated attendance of more than 10,000 people, the event offered a wide spectrum of interventions. At Kibona Parish, where the caravan was launched, residents received training in modern farming techniques, including zero-grazing and safe livestock management. “These skills will help me improve my farm and my family’s livelihood,” said Percy Komuhangi, a farmer from Nyakashambya village.

At Nyamitanga Cathedral Parish, AMDA mounted a mega medical camp at Maryhill High School that drew thousands. More than 600 volunteer health workers provided free consultations, dental and eye care, cataract surgeries, and corrective operations for cleft lip and fistula. “The medical camp was a lifeline for many who cannot afford treatment,” said Mbarara City Woman MP Rita Atukwasa, praising AMDA’s inclusive approach.

Beyond health, the caravan promoted sustainability. Over 36,000 seedlings of fruit, coffee, and indigenous trees were distributed, while workshops on waste management and climate resilience equipped households with practical tools. Financial literacy sessions, scholarships for vulnerable youth, and infrastructure support—including church paving and water wells—reinforced AMDA’s holistic model.

Founded in 2013, AMDA has grown into a beacon of faith-driven development, uniting Catholics from the Mbarara Archdiocese living in Kampala and beyond. Its annual caravan blends pastoral care with practical empowerment, guided by biblical inspiration from Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

The 11th caravan’s success was fueled by partnerships with government, corporate sponsors, and volunteers, including funds raised through AMDA’s first-ever charity run in July 2025, which alone generated 256 million shillings.

As Nyabwina Parish takes up the mantle, anticipation is already high. For many, the 12th caravan promises not just another event, but a transformative chapter in AMDA’s mission to uplift communities and leave a legacy of faith, compassion, and sustainable progress.