Sheema's Mushanga Parish marked its 80th anniversary with a ceremony in Sheema Municipality, where Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mackson Oboth commended the parish for its role in community development over eight decades. Oboth, representing Vice President Jessica Alupo, highlighted the partnership between religious institutions and government in addressing poverty and fostering socio-economic growth. The event, attended by civic leaders, clergy, and thousands of parishioners, also featured the launch of the OAK Jubilee Project, a Shs5.8 billion initiative aimed at expanding infrastructure and supporting pastoral activities.
The OAK Jubilee Project includes plans for a commercial building, funded through parish contributions and external support. Rev. Fr. Genesio Nuwagira, a Mushanga Parish priest, stated the project requires Shs5.8 billion to construct the facility, named in memory of pioneer Pere Gauthier. The building is intended to generate income for the parish and drive community transformation. During the anniversary, newly ordained priests received Shs30 million each from the parish council to support their pastoral work, while Oboth and Alupo contributed financially to the infrastructure drive.
Oboth emphasized the critical role of faith-based institutions in providing education, healthcare, and social services, particularly in areas where government resources were limited. He urged youth to prioritize national development over violence and corruption, stating, "Guard against acts of violence, corruption, and drug abuse." The celebrations underscored Mushanga Parish's legacy of religious ministry, education, and community upliftment, with attendees reflecting on its impact over eight decades of service.
The anniversary event highlighted the intersection of religious and governmental efforts in shaping regional development. With the OAK Jubilee Project, Mushanga Parish aims to strengthen its capacity to address local challenges through sustainable infrastructure. The initiative aligns with broader goals of poverty reduction and economic empowerment, as noted by Oboth, who described faith-based organizations as "reliable partners" in national progress. The gathering reaffirmed the parish's commitment to fostering stability and growth in Sheema and surrounding areas.