Industrial City Div. MP Masaba Karim Donates 100bags of Cement to Support Expansion of St. Austin Church in Mbale

Mbale Industrial City Division MP Karim Masaba fulfilled his pledge of donating 100 bags of cement toward the expansion of St. Austin Catholic Church in Mbale. 

This contribution is part of Karim's earlier donation of Shs1 million aimed at helping raise Shs3.5 billion for the construction project.

Masaba delivered the cement on April 12, 2026, during the Second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday. During the mass, the main celebrant, Father Deogratius Ekisa, preached about God’s infinite mercy, forgiveness, and the peace of the resurrected Christ, encouraging believers to seek refuge in Jesus, trust in His love, and act as ambassadors of mercy.

Speaking at the event, Masaba noted that after contributing Shs1 million, he pledged to donate 100 bags of cement, which he has now delivered.

He emphasized that this will not be his last contribution, pledging continued support until the project is completed.

Masaba also called upon corporate companies, banks, the business community, and Chinese investors in the Sino Uganda Mbale Industrial Park to support the church project, noting that any contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference.

He further urged political leaders to embrace forgiveness and unity for the benefit of the people. Adding that, the recently concluded elections brought tense political environment and asked for forgiveness from anyone he may have wronged, calling for collective efforts to serve the people of Mbale.

Tom Etonu, a member of the construction committee who led the fundraising drive, confirmed that the project requires Shs3.5 billion to improve the church’s infrastructure. 

He revealed that about Shs100 million was raised during the previous fundraising event and expressed optimism that continued support, including Masaba’s contribution, will help them achieve their goal within the three-year target period.

Gabriel Odatin, the vice chairman of the construction committee, expressed gratitude to Hon Karim Masaba for his generous support toward the expansion of the church. 

He also announced another fundraising event scheduled for the first week of July, calling on the public to participate.

The project aims to construct a modern and spacious facility to accommodate the growing Catholic community in Mbale.