Projects & Development at St. Charles Lwanga Parish
St. Charles Lwanga Parish in Muyeye embodies Jesuit values of Magis and self-reliance through forward-thinking projects that enhance spiritual, infrastructural, educational, and social dimensions. Supported by parishioners, donors like St. Xavier Parish (Cincinnati), and the diocese, these initiatives—completed, ongoing, and planned—promote sustainability, community upliftment, and environmental stewardship, aligning with our 2023–2028 Strategic Plan.
Church Construction and Infrastructure: The cornerstone project was the main church building, dedicated on August 22, 2021, after fundraising and construction from 2019. Seating 600–650, it features a high-roof design for coastal ventilation, a sanctuary with Ugandan martyr imagery, and African artwork like carved doors. Sunday attendance doubled post-dedication, with additions like stained-glass African saints (2022) and new pews (2023). Compound enhancements include landscaping with bougainvillea, meditation grottos, a security wall, tippy taps for hygiene, and phased parking (gravel 2022, partial paving 2024; full by 2026). The Marian Grotto, completed in 2023 under a baobab tree with CWA-led fundraising, offers a statue of Our Lady and benches for prayer. Msoloni’s St. Francis of Assisi chapel (2019) seats 100, with 2024 extensions; Mayungu needs land acquisition for a St. Josephine Bakhita chapel (30% funded). Future plans: office block, multi-purpose hall, priests’ residence extension, and school expansions.
Educational and Social Projects: Launched in 2024, Aquiline Tarimo Jesuit School (ATJS) serves 100+ low-income children (ages 4–8) in repurposed structures, emphasizing literacy, numeracy, catechism, and values at Ksh 500/term (waived for needy). With volunteer staff, it provides porridge and lunch via donors; an August 2024 ceremony highlighted parental support and expansion dreams (permanent block, Montessori training, gardening). The former St. Vincent de Paul Nursery feeding program merged into ATJS, sustaining meals and health aid (e.g., deworming). Scholarships aid 15 primary and 8 secondary students, monitored by an Education Committee. Health initiatives include 2022 medical camps (200+ served), HIV support groups, and COVID aid. The informal St. Vincent de Paul Society delivers emergency aid, like hospital bills for a single mother.
Income-Generating Projects: To reduce donor dependency (SI#6), a 2020 commercial building yields rental income from four stalls (tailoring, kiosk, M-Pesa, juice stand) and two apartments, covering utilities and staff stipends. The 2019 Kadongoleni farm (2 acres) scaled down from 180 chickens due to challenges but trains youth in poultry and veggies for parish use. CWA’s broiler project (50 chickens, 2023) funded altar cloths; youth’s vegetable patch sells kale post-Mass. A 2022 merry-go-round savings group aids staff; SCCs encouraged to follow, with Sacco plans ahead.
Environmental Conservation: Per Laudato Si’ (SI#7), “Greening Muyeye” planted 200+ trees in 2024 (fruit/shade species), aiming for 500 by 2026 via SCCs and a nursery. Youth-led clean-ups target roads and beaches, reducing plastics at events. Soil terracing, rainwater harvesting, and NGO-provided energy-saving stoves curb deforestation. Seminars like 2023’s “Laudato Si’ and You” integrate ecology into homilies and youth plays.
Charity and Outreach: A “Mercy Basket” ensures food aid; a Medical Emergency Fund covers urgencies (e.g., youth surgery). Monthly prison visits bring prayers and supplies; youth outreach to street children partners with diocesan homes. Interfaith aid, like flood relief with Muslim neighbors, builds harmony.
These projects, transparently managed, transform Muyeye into a beacon of faith and action. By balancing mission with sustainability, we live Matthew 25, inviting all to contribute for God’s greater glory.