President Museveni has paid tribute to the late Rev Fr. Paolino Tomaino, an Italian missionary who dedicated over 40 years to fighting alcohol abuse and promoting Christian ethics in Uganda.
Speaking at Fr Tomaino’s burial at Kyamuhunga Catholic Parish, Bushenyi District, President Museveni praised him as a church leader who cared deeply about the health and well-being of his congregation.
Fr Tomaino, who passed away at the age of 87 due to heart failure, is remembered for his tireless efforts in building churches, schools such as the one in Kyamuhunga, technical and vocational institutions, hospitals like Daniel Comboni Hospital, and health centers across various districts in Uganda.
He also initiated development projects like the Kyamuhunga People’s Sacco and Rushere People’s Sacco, aimed at uplifting the community.
President Museveni highlighted Fr Tomaino’s integration of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) message of social-economic transformation into his Christian ministry.
He commended Fr Tomaino’s commitment to encouraging believers to fulfill their responsibilities as co-creators with God on earth.
The Mbarara Archdiocese Archbishop, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, described Fr Tomaino as an exceptional servant who demonstrated the power of faith and dedication to God.
Fr Tomaino’s legacy serves as an inspiration for what one person can achieve through unwavering devotion and service to others.
His missionary work in Uganda began in 1965 when he was ordained as a priest and assigned to serve in the Roman Catholic Church under the Comboni missionaries.
Throughout his life, he initiated numerous projects that have had a lasting impact on the communities he served.
Despite his passing, Fr Tomaino’s contributions to the spiritual and socio-economic development of Uganda will be remembered and cherished by many.
