The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LOP) Mathias Mpuuga, has today urged government to deliver on its earlier promise of supporting volunteer organizations.
He made this crucial call while speaking during the launch of the centenary celebrations of the congregation in Nkokonjeru, Buikwe district on Saturday, 7 May 2022.
Non-profit entities, whose operations are tailored towards assisting the vulnerable people realise the importance of life on plannet earth need to be supported, owing to the fact that their works have transformed the populace, a view shared by the LOP.
Mpuuga said institutions such as the Little Sisters of St Francis of Assisi congregation, which runs a number high performance schools such as Mt. St. Mary’s college Namagunga, and health facilities such as Nsambya Hospital deserve a hand from government.
“When Covid-19 attacked us, I remember making a statement on the floor of Parliament challenging ourselves to consider the humble works of these organizations, I still strongly suggest that government needs to move fast, volunteers like the Little Sisters congregation need to benefit from the presence of a government,” Mpuuga said.
He wondered why these entities are battling lack of prefessional health workers to tackle various health concerns among their clients, yet the government is just looking on, without offering any help.
“For instance why would they be suffering without expert health workers? Government should be seconding the expert health workers to the congregation’s hospitals and pay them,” said Mpuuga.
The event was also aimed at fundraising for a monumental building of 100 rooms in memory of the congregation’s founder commonly known as Mother Kevin Theresa.
While speaking to the Vice President Jessica Alupo who was present at the function as the chief guest, Mpuuga reminded the congregation of a promise made by the Prime Minister Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, to extend financial support to volunteer organizations.
“When I gave the statement on this matter in Parliament, the response from the Prime Minister was that yes we are seriously considering it, so today is the reminder to track the commitment from the Prime Minister,” he said.
He bluntly explained that government pledged to second and pay teachers especially those in the science field to noble schools founded by the congregation, and asked Alupo to track the pledge.
“Now that you are here you will probably re-echo that commitment and we will follow it up together with you,” Mpuuga said.
Alupo promised to work with Mpuuga in mobilizing other legislators to support this cause, in addition to a cash contribution of Shs. 30million she made towards the monumental building.
“We shall go and discuss on how to support these institutions in another forum, I can promise that I will work with you to mobilize our other colleagues, because we know the 100 rooms need to be completed,” Alupo said.
Mpuuga contributed Shs. 10 million on behalf of the office of Leader of the Opposition.
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