Africa-Press – Uganda. President Museveni on Tuesday joined thousands of Christians at St. Jude Thaddeus Church, Naguru, to commemorate the 71st National Day of St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of desperate and lost causes.
The main celebrant was Bishop Mark Kadima Wamukoya of the Catholic Diocese of Bungoma, Kenya, accompanied by a delegation of pilgrims from Kenya.
In his remarks, President Museveni urged the faithful to strengthen their faith and family values, emphasizing that belief in God plays a vital role in shaping national unity and resilience, especially in challenging times.
He commended the congregation for their devotion and encouraged them to uphold the teachings of both Christianity and Islam, saying the two faiths have greatly contributed to Uganda’s moral, spiritual, and social growth.
“I support the work of Christianity and Islam because I am from the indigenous groups of this place. Christianity added the concept of resurrection — that when we die, there is another life. Resurrection was new to us,” President Museveni said.
The President noted that Christianity introduced values that helped guide Uganda’s transformation from traditional belief systems to organized religion, which in turn influenced the nation’s moral and social development.
“These ideas helped us shape our movement from tradition to religion, and that’s how we got some of our values. We were created in the image of God — when you don’t like me, you don’t like God,” he said.“We were created in the image of God, so when you don’t like me, you are really rejecting God. Nzembagala mwena, tewali gwenkyawa (I love you all; there is no one I hate),” he added.
President Museveni also reminded the faithful of the importance of love and forgiveness, calling them the foundation of moral conduct and societal peace.
“The ten commandments are summarized into two: love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. This is very important for value addition in society,” he noted.
He cautioned against vengeance, urging believers to embrace forgiveness as taught by Jesus Christ.
“Jesus came with the message of unconditional forgiveness; therefore, I find it very easy and rewarding,” he said.
In his concluding remarks, the President expressed gratitude for being invited to the celebrations and pledged to take a greater interest in the works of St. Jude Thaddeus.
“I am very happy to be here. I am glad you invited me. I will now take more interest in St. Jude, not only as part of supporting faith but also as part of promoting religious tourism,” President Museveni added.
Rev. Fr. John Mary Bwire, the Parish Priest of St. Jude Catholic Church, Naguru, warmly welcomed the President and expressed appreciation for his presence.
“Your presence today fills our hearts with renewed hope. It affirms the respect our government accords to the role of faith in shaping national character, fostering social development, and unity,” he said.
The celebration underscored the role of faith in nation-building, with speakers noting that religious institutions play a central role in nurturing discipline, unity, and national cohesion.
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