Kabale MP Urges Support for Local Charity Amid Foreign Aid Decline
Kabale MP urges support for local charity as Uganda faces a noticeable decline in international aid, warning that reliance on foreign support could jeopardize long-standing social programs.
Speaking during the 15th National Caritas Week Celebrations at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Cathedral on Rushoroza Hill, MP Nicholas Theodorus Kamara encouraged Ugandans—particularly Christians—to embrace local giving and actively participate in government poverty alleviation schemes.
Call to Action for Ugandans
Kamara emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging communities to channel their energy into local solutions. He encouraged active participation in government schemes such as the:
- Parish Development Model (PDM)
- Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP)
- Youth Livelihood Programme
“I want to encourage Christians to actively participate in government poverty alleviation programs,” Kamara said. “We need to own the process of transforming our communities.”
A Warning on Foreign Aid Dependency
The Kabale Municipality legislator expressed concern that Uganda’s over-dependence on external support may lead to unsustainable development efforts.
He called on citizens to back organisations like Caritas, which have historically relied on international donors to fund critical humanitarian and development work.
Support from Fellow Leaders
The event attracted notable figures including State Minister of Finance Henry Musasizi and Ndorwa East MP Wilfred Niwagaba.
Niwagaba echoed Kamara’s sentiments, warning that ongoing foreign aid restrictions could severely impact organisations like Caritas. He stressed the need for domestic contributions to maintain their impact.
Caritas and Its Legacy
Caritas Uganda has long been a cornerstone of humanitarian efforts in the country, supporting vulnerable communities through education, health care, and economic empowerment. But with shifting global priorities, foreign aid has dwindled, making local ownership and funding more critical than ever.
