Supporters of Catholic Mission hear from National Director for the Pontifical Mission Societies in Uganda, Fr Philip Balikuddembe Amooti, during his visit to Perth for the launch of Catholic Mission’s annual Church appeal. Photo: Supplied.
Supporters of Catholic Mission have recently had the chance to meet the National Director for the Pontifical Mission Societies in Uganda Father Philip Balikuddembe Amooti.
Fr Amooti was visiting Perth as part of a four-week trip around Australia to help launch Catholic Mission’s annual Church Appeal in parishes and schools.
Speaking at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Highgate on Wednesday 5 July, Fr Amooti and Catholic Mission Diocesan Director Francis Leong provided a unique insight into the specific projects for which Catholic Mission are raising funds, and the significant impact they can have on people’s lives.
Fr Amooti spoke about the work that Catholic Mission is doing in Bujuni, a small parish in rural Uganda, and in particular the critical needs of St Luke Health Centre, run by Sister Mary Goretti.
According to Catholic Mission Australia, St Luke’s is the only affordable health centre in the region with a maternity ward, but is under resourced, lacking vital equipment to cope with the number of high-risk pregnancies among expectant mothers.
Complications such as haemorrhaging, hypertensive disorders, obstructed labour and infection mean many women become ill or are at risk of death, though with appropriate, timely treatment these issues are largely preventable.
Fr Amooti said that with the help of equipment such as an ultrasound machine, many mothers’ lives might be saved.
“The health centre is also in urgent need of an ambulance, as women must currently endure the uncomfortable and often dangerous experience of travelling along rough tracks on the back of a motorcycle while in labour,” he added.
Fr Amooti has also overseen a number of life-changing projects during his ten years as National Director and has coordinated the activities of the Pontifical Mission Societies in all 19 Catholic dioceses throughout Uganda.
But what is close to Fr Amooti’s heart is the St Joseph’s Vocational Training Centre in Munteme, in the Diocese of Hoima.
Started in 1978 by two priests, the centre helps young, disadvantaged students learn a trade and gain necessary skills and practical experience for employment.
“The centre began as a small carpentry workshop and has expanded to include courses for young men and women in mechanics, welding and metalwork, tailoring, fashion and design, and building and concreting.
“After almost four decades in operation, it has grown in capacity and is now in need of renovation,” he explained.
Leaving Australia to return to Uganda, Fr Amooti extended his heartfelt thanks to all those who support the missions, and in particular those projects in Uganda that he oversees.