On Sunday 20th December 2015, the Makerere University St. Augustine Catholic Community presented to Monsignor (Msgr.) Dr. Lawrence Kanyike a beautiful Christmas Gift-a Brand New Ford Ranger. The sleek off-roader worth UGX.180 million was handed over to Msgr. Dr. Kanyike by the Chaplain, Rev. Josephat Ddungu together with the Chairperson of the St. Augustine Catholic Community Prof. Edward K. Kirumira at the climax of mass led by Rev. Fr.  Michael Kamulegeya.

Msgr. Dr. Lawrence Kanyike served Makerere University for 30 years as the Chaplain of St. Augustine Chapel. Msgr. Kanyike has been cruising a manual transmission Toyota Corolla car which he bought 33 years ago.The splendid Christmas gift was a fulfilment of the promise made to Msgr. Dr.  Kanyike by the Makerere University St. Augustine Catholic Community at his remarkable farewell ceremony. According to Prof. Edward Kirumira on 23^rd February 2014, the Makerere University Catholic Community promised to buy a new car for their beloved Msgr. Dr. Kanyike for the selfless service and tremendous developments accomplished during his tenure at Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel.

“From February 2014, the Chaplaincy embarked on a fundraising campaign to raise the money for the Ford Ranger double cabin. I would like to mention that the fundraising campaign was a success and today we witness our fruitful efforts, as we hand over the special gift to our one and only Msgr. Kanyike,” he remarked with a beaming smile.

The Chaplain Rev. Fr. Josephat Ddungu sent waves of excitement through the congregation when he said: "Today, I must tell you that I am a very happy man. You know why, KIGGWA LEERO! On 23rd February 2014, we promised Msgr. Kanyike that we would give him a car. On that day, we presented the desired car to him on an art piece. Today, Sunday 20th December 2015, we are presenting Msgr. Kanyike with the keys to the car that is now parked at the Entrance leading to this Chapel."

Addressing the congregation that he loves dearly, Msgr. Dr. Kanyike thanked the Makerere University Community for the wonderful Christmas gift.

"I promise you that I will drive the Ford Ranger. I do appreciate your generosity. This is a very beautiful gift. It is the biggest Christmas Gift ever given to me. Thank you for loving me. The vehicle will be very useful in the execution of my pastoral work," assured the obviously jovial and humbled Msgr. Dr. Lawrence Kanyike.

Msgr. Dr. Kanyike used the same opportunity to reiterate the special message he shared with the Makerere University community at his farewell ceremony held 23^rd February 2014 when he said, “All I ask of you is to always remember that I loved you. Every time I stand here, it comes to my head eventually, I feel like this is my community. I am pleased to say, I am glad to be here. Thank you very much for loving me. I wish you the very best of time. Merry Christmas.”

The Chairperson of Makerere University St. Augustine Catholic Community, Prof. Edward K. Kirumira, an instrumental figure in the fundraising drive thanked the Makerere University community and well wishers for generously contributing to the initiative.

“Every coin counted. Every coin counts. May God continue to bless you for the generous contributions that have made it possible for us to present a befitting Christmas gift to Msgr. Kanyike,” he said.

“We are also very grateful to members who are still making contributions towards its maintenance. In the first mass, one of our community members pledged to provide a monthly fuel allowance of UGX 300,000.  In the same spirit Eng. Max Kigobe has given us UGX 200,000 to service the car at the appropriate time,” he added.

In an exclusive interview with Makerere University Public Relations Office team, Eng. Max Kigobe from the College of Engineering, Design Art and Technology (CEDAT) and a member of the St. Augustine Community said that Msgr. Kanyike will always be remembered for his noble contributions and selflessness that endeared so many to him and to St. Augustine chapel.

“He has been so close to us. He has inspired us spiritually, socially and academically and I can personally testify of the love of Msgr. Kanyike. He has been acting as my father academic wise and he always interceded in my social life. He uplifted my spiritual belief and made me realise the importance of prayer,” stated Eng. Kigobe.

Msgr. Dr. Lawrence Kanyike was appointed in May 1984 by His Eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga as Chaplain of the Catholic Community at Makerere University. Since 1984, Msgr. Kanyike diligently served the Makerere University community and is credited for soliciting resources for the expansion of St. Augustine Chapel, construction of a Chaplain's house as well as initiating a number of activities that attracted students to participate in the affairs of the Church and the community at large. After 30 years of service at Makerere University, Msgr. Kanyike was transferred to Kyengera Parish.

Sunday 20^th December 2015 will forever be a memorable day on the St. Augustine Catholic Community Calendar. Apart from the highlight Ford Ranger handover ceremony, the day comprised a series of activities including; the Sickle Cell Fundraising Music Concert 2015, organised by St. Augustine Catholic Community, St. Augustine Choir and Ivuga Band.

In the evening hours, the Chaplaincy of the Makerere University St. Augustine Catholic Community treated over 300 Members and well wishers to a sumptuous dinner. The hosts, Prof. Edward K. Kirumira and his wife, Dr. Rose Kirumira thanked the Chaplaincy for not only funding the evening of socialisation but also choosing their residence as the venue. The merrymaking then went on in earnest thanks to the great selection of music; the happy hours climaxing with the serving of the tasty specially-baked St. Augustine Community Christmas cake.

Article by:  Ritah Namisango and Proscovia Nabatte, Mak Public Relations Office

Photos by:   Charles Iga, Mak Public Relations Office