President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today joined thousands of Christians at St. Jude Thaddeus Church, Naguru to commemorate the 71st National Day of St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron of desperate and lost causes. The main celebrant was Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bungoma in Kenya, Bishop Mark Kadima Wamukoya accompanied by pilgrims from Kenya.
In his remarks, President Museveni urged the faithful to strengthen their faith and family values, emphasizing that faith plays a vital role in shaping national strength and unity, especially during times of trouble.
He commended the faithful for their commitment and encouraged them to uphold the teachings of both Christianity and Islam, saying they have greatly contributed to the moral and spiritual growth and value addition of society. “I support the work of Christianity and Islam because I am from the indigenous groups of this place. Christianity added the concept of resurrection when we die, there is another life. Resurrection was new to us,” President Museveni said.
He added that Christianity added values, and these have helped shape Uganda’s transition from traditional belief systems to organized religion, which has 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,” he added.
The President also reminded the faithful about overcoming selfishness and the importance of love as the foundation of moral conduct. “The ten commandments are summarized into two, love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as you love yourself. This is very important for value addition in society,” he noted. He further advised the faithful not to live in vengeance. “Jesus came with the message of unconditional forgiveness, therefore I find it very easy and rewarding,” he said.
In his concluding remarks, President Museveni 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,” the President added.
The Parish Priest of St. Jude Catholic Church Naguru, Rev. Fr. John Mary Bwire, warmly welcomed the President expressing deep appreciation for his presence. “Your presence today fills our hearts with renewed hope, it affirms the respect of our government that accords to the role of faith in shaping national character, fostering social development and unity, “he said.
This event underscored the importance of faith in nation building, noting that religious institutions create a big role in creating discipline and unity.