Ssaabasumba Annual Appeal Fund (SAAFU)
Faith in Action: James 2: 14-17
Ssaabasumba Annual Appeal Fund (SAAFU)
Faith in Action: James 2: 14-17
Home > SAAFU
Established in 2007 by the late Archbishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, SAAFU was born from a simple, profound necessity: the need for a self-sustaining Church. Recognizing that foreign support was shifting, the Archbishop looked toward the strength of the local community. Today, under the leadership of Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, the fund has been revitalized to address the growing needs of a vibrant, expanding Archdiocese.
Established in 2007 by the late Archbishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, SAAFU was born from a simple, profound necessity: the need for a self-sustaining Church. Recognizing that foreign support was shifting, the Archbishop looked toward the strength of the local community. Today, under the leadership of Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, the fund has been revitalized to address the growing needs of a vibrant, expanding Archdiocese.
Profile
In 2000, Archbishop Dr. Cyprian K. Lwanga (RIP) visited the Diocese of Trenton in New Jersey, he learnt that the social and pastoral work of this Diocese was financed by the ‘Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAFU)’. He then introduced the same fund in Kasana-Luwero Diocese and a lot was achieved. When he was appointed as the Archbishop of Kampala, he introduced Ssaabasumba Annual Appeal Fund (SAAFU) in 2007.
To transform lives by putting faith into action (Faith in Action) James 2: 14-17
To bring noticeable and sustainable development in Kampala Archdiocese as well as improving the lives of people in every Parish.
- Charity and sharing.
- Faith.
- Educational development.
- Teamwork and Integrity.
SAAFU is a canonical fund that is derived from Church discipline; Canon 1266 which stipulates that the Archbishop may set up a special fund to assist him in the funding of activities in a Diocese.
It is a special collection managed by the Archbishop. SAAFU addresses pastoral needs, promotes development, human rights, caters for vulnerable and also empowers the people of God.
Profile
In 2000, Archbishop Dr. Cyprian K. Lwanga (RIP) visited the Diocese of Trenton in New Jersey, he learnt that the social and pastoral work of this Diocese was financed by the ‘Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAFU)’. He then introduced the same fund in Kasana-Luwero Diocese and a lot was achieved. When he was appointed as the Archbishop of Kampala, he introduced Ssaabasumba Annual Appeal Fund (SAAFU) in 2007.
To transform lives by putting faith into action (Faith in Action) James 2: 14-17
To bring noticeable and sustainable development in Kampala Archdiocese as well as improving the lives of people in every Parish.
- Charity and sharing.
- Faith.
- Educational development.
- Teamwork and Integrity.
SAAFU is a canonical fund that is derived from Church discipline; Canon 1266 which stipulates that the Archbishop may set up a special fund to assist him in the funding of activities in a Diocese.
It is a special collection managed by the Archbishop. SAAFU addresses pastoral needs, promotes development, human rights, caters for vulnerable and also empowers the people of God.
With the appointment of Archbishop Paul Ssemwogerere as Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, the fund got new leadership, new offices, and new vigour emanating from the passion of the Archbishop himself. Hence a rejuvenation drive was launched on10th September 2023 at Lubaga Cathedral
With the appointment of Archbishop Paul Ssemwogerere as Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, the fund got new leadership, new offices, and new vigour emanating from the passion of the Archbishop himself. Hence a rejuvenation drive was launched on10th September 2023 at Lubaga Cathedral
Our Foundation
When people ask me what the Ssaabasumba Annual Appeal Fund (SAAFU) truly is, I tell them it isn’t just a bank account or a collection plate. It is a covenant. It is the way we, as the family of God in the Archdiocese of Kampala, look at one another and say, “I am my brother’s keeper.”
SAAFU was born in 2007 from the prophetic vision of the late Archbishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga. He saw a changing world where foreign aid was receding and realized that for our Church to truly flourish, it had to be self-sustaining. He believed that if every Catholic contributed just a small “mustard seed” (as little as UGX 2,000 to 5,000 annually) we could move mountains together.
Today, under the guidance of Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, that seed has grown into a mighty tree.
Beyond the Parish Walls
Most of us are faithful to our local parishes, but SAAFU is different. It is the “safety net” for the entire Archdiocese. When a historic landmark like Lubaga Cathedral needs urgent restoration, or when the Namugongo Shrines require maintenance to welcome millions of pilgrims, SAAFU is the resource that makes it possible.
From a Mustard Seed to a Home for All: The Heart of SAAFU
Most of us are faithful to our local parishes, but SAAFU is different. It is the “safety net” for the entire Archdiocese. When a historic landmark like Lubaga Cathedral needs urgent restoration, or when the Namugongo Shrines require maintenance to welcome millions of pilgrims, SAAFU is the resource that makes it possible.
But more than buildings, SAAFU is about people. It is how we care for our elderly and sick priests (men who have given their entire lives to our spiritual growth) ensuring they have a dignified home or medical care when they are most vulnerable.
We have worked hard to make giving as simple as a prayer. Whether you use the traditional SAAFU envelopes in your parish, or prefer the convenience of Mobile Money (Merchant Code: SAFU) or Centenary Bank, your contribution is handled with the highest level of transparency and accountability.
The beauty of SAAFU is that it doesn’t demand wealth; it only asks for solidarity. When we pull together, we aren’t just funding projects—we are building a legacy of faith that will shelter our children and grandchildren for generations to come.
Rev. Fr. Timothy Lukananso
DIRECTOR
Our Foundation
When people ask me what the Ssaabasumba Annual Appeal Fund (SAAFU) truly is, I tell them it isn’t just a bank account or a collection plate. It is a covenant. It is the way we, as the family of God in the Archdiocese of Kampala, look at one another and say, “I am my brother’s keeper.”
SAAFU was born in 2007 from the prophetic vision of the late Archbishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga. He saw a changing world where foreign aid was receding and realized that for our Church to truly flourish, it had to be self-sustaining. He believed that if every Catholic contributed just a small “mustard seed” (as little as UGX 2,000 to 5,000 annually) we could move mountains together.
Today, under the guidance of Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, that seed has grown into a mighty tree.
Beyond the Parish Walls
Most of us are faithful to our local parishes, but SAAFU is different. It is the “safety net” for the entire Archdiocese. When a historic landmark like Lubaga Cathedral needs urgent restoration, or when the Namugongo Shrines require maintenance to welcome millions of pilgrims, SAAFU is the resource that makes it possible.
From a Mustard Seed to a Home for All: The Heart of SAAFU
Most of us are faithful to our local parishes, but SAAFU is different. It is the “safety net” for the entire Archdiocese. When a historic landmark like Lubaga Cathedral needs urgent restoration, or when the Namugongo Shrines require maintenance to welcome millions of pilgrims, SAAFU is the resource that makes it possible.
But more than buildings, SAAFU is about people. It is how we care for our elderly and sick priests (men who have given their entire lives to our spiritual growth) ensuring they have a dignified home or medical care when they are most vulnerable.
We have worked hard to make giving as simple as a prayer. Whether you use the traditional SAAFU envelopes in your parish, or prefer the convenience of Mobile Money (Merchant Code: SAFU) or Centenary Bank, your contribution is handled with the highest level of transparency and accountability.
The beauty of SAAFU is that it doesn’t demand wealth; it only asks for solidarity. When we pull together, we aren’t just funding projects—we are building a legacy of faith that will shelter our children and grandchildren for generations to come.
Rev. Fr. Timothy Lukananso
DIRECTOR
The following projects were achieved through SAAFU (2007 to-date)
- Repaired Lubaga Cathedral,
- Construction of New Administration Block at Rubaga,
- Preparations for Pope Francis’ visit to Uganda,
- Contribution towards re-development of the Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo,
- Paying hospital bills for priests,
- Facilitation towards charity homes/ orphanages,
- Facilitation towards CECAM preparations,
- Purchase of maize milling machines for Nkozi & Namayumba Parishes,
- Renovation of Namayumba Parish Church,
- Construction of Parish Church at Nkozi,
- Renovation of Mapeera Bakateyamba home at Nalukolongo and,
- Construction of a care centre for elderly priests at Bweya.
What Your SAAFU Contribution Builds
While individual parishes work hard to maintain their own local needs, SAAFU steps in where those resources end. It tackles the “big picture” projects that serve us all:
- Restoring Our Icons: SAAFU funded the critical renovation of the Lubaga Cathedral and the Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo.
- Supporting Our Shepherds: The fund provides for the welfare of our priests, including clearing hospital bills and our envisaged construction of a retirement home for elderly clergy at Bweya.
- Modernizing Our Mission: Contributions have built the new Administration Block at Lubaga, housing the core offices that keep our Archdiocese running.
- Emergency Response: Recently, SAAFU was instrumental in the reconstruction of Nkozi Parish Church after it was devastated by heavy rains.
- Immediate focus: Renovation and modernization of the Nalukolongo Bakkateyamba (Homeless and Disabled) Home
How to Make a Donation
Ways to Give:
• In the Pew: Special SAAFU envelopes are distributed through your local parishes.
• At the Bank: Direct deposits can be made to the Centenary Bank account under "Kampala Archdiocese" (A/C: 31000004370).
• Via Mobile: Use the merchant code SAFU on MTN or the designated Airtel number provided by your parish.
• From the Diaspora: International supporters can contribute via Visa through the Centenary Bank portal.
SAAFU is not about the amount; it is about the spirit of cooperation. When we reach across parish boundaries, we ensure that no corner of our Archdiocese is left behind.
FUND TEAM
Mr. Edward Kanyike (Chairperson) | Chairperson |
Rev. Fr. Timothy Lukananso | SAAFU Director |
Rev. Fr. Dr. Pius Male Ssentumbwe | Co-opted Executive Member |
Rev. Fr. Joseph Kasule | Co-opted Executive Member |
Rev. Fr. Henry Kasasa | Member |
Rev. Fr. Kizito Ssebunya | Member |
Mrs. Katende Annet | Member |
Mr. Micheal Ssebowa | Member |
Mr. Simon Kaggwa Njala | Member |
Mr. Ssentale Peter | Member |
Mrs. Emily Kitto Mwaka | Member |
Ms. Juliet Nankumba – Administrator
Rev. Fr. Timothy Lukananso
DIRECTOR
Rev. Fr. Joseph Kasule
Rev. Fr. Dr. Pius Male Ssentumbwe
Rev Fr. Kizito Ssebunya
Committee Member
Mrs. Katende Annet
Committee Member
Mr. Simon Kaggwa Njala
Committee Member
Rev. Fr. Timothy Lukananso
DIRECTOR
Mrs. Katende Annet
Committee Member
FUND TEAM
Mr. Edward Kanyike (Chairperson) | Chairperson |
Rev. Fr. Timothy Lukananso | SAAFU Director |
Rev. Fr. Dr. Pius Male Ssentumbwe | Co-opted Executive Member |
Rev. Fr. Joseph Kasule | Co-opted Executive Member |
Rev. Fr. Henry Kasasa | Member |
Rev. Fr. Kizito Ssebunya | Member |
Mrs. Katende Annet | Member |
Mr. Micheal Ssebowa | Member |
Mr. Simon Kaggwa Njala | Member |
Mr. Ssentale Peter | Member |
Mrs. Emily Kitto Mwaka | Member |
Ms. Juliet Nankumba – Administrator
Rev. Fr. Joseph Kasule
Rev. Fr. Dr. Pius Male Ssentumbwe
Mr. Simon Kaggwa Njala
Committee Member
