President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandan Catholics to embrace hard work, personal responsibility, and unity, urging them to contribute actively to their families, the Church, and the nation.
Addressing over 5,000 worshipers at St. Mary’s Cathedral Lubaga during the Cathedral’s Centenary Celebrations, President Museveni drew lessons from the parable of the talents and St. Paul’s message to the Thessalonians.
“I call upon you all to concentrate more on the parable of talents and the message of St Paul; whoever does not work, will not eat,” he said.
“My challenge to you, therefore, is to work so you get out of poverty, that you may support the church, the state and your families; this is the message I and the NRM concur with. It is the best Christian Doctrine besides one that says love your neighbour as you love yourself,” he added.
The President emphasized that faith must be lived through action, urging Ugandans to use their abilities to uplift themselves and their communities.
President Museveni also cited the parable of the Good Samaritan, highlighting the need for unity beyond identity.
“According to the Parable of the Good Samaritan, a man was robbed, beaten and left for dead; he was not helped by a priest and Levite but by another passerby, a Samaritan who was a member of a disliked group by the Jews,” he said.
He added, “We shall know them by their fruits. In the NRM, we do not care about who but what the person has done. Just like the Bible says, let your light shine before men, that they may see your works and glorify the Father who is in heaven. We therefore need to be real Christians guided by this parable.”
The centenary event, which began with a Holy Mass led by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, also drew top government officials, including Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, and Mengo Kingdom dignitaries led by Premier Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga.
Archbishop Ssemogerere thanked the President for supporting the Church, noting the role of faith in nation-building.
“We thank you for the collaborations in education and health. Many of our schools and hospitals continue to save lives and serve our people because of the environment your government provides. We also thank you for honouring this occasion and recognising the role of the church,” the Archbishop said.
He prayed for peace during the election season, called on the youth to use their energy constructively, and urged government action to curb land grabbing, which he described as a persistent national challenge.
St. Mary’s Cathedral, constructed in 1925, was built on land generously donated by Kabaka Mwanga II and originally hosted a palace of Kabaka Mutesa I. Overseen by Bishop Henri Streicher and Brother Cyprian, the construction involved training local craftsmen and using over 2.5 million locally made bricks. The cathedral has hosted historic events, including the African Bishops Synod in 1969, and stands today as a symbol of faith, unity, and resilience.
The centenary celebrations highlighted the enduring link between faith, hard work, and national service, reinforcing President Museveni’s call for Ugandans to contribute meaningfully to the Church, their families, and the nation.
