Kagadi — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday joined thousands of faithful at Kapyemi Grounds in Kagadi District to celebrate the 96th birthday of Omukama Ruhanga Owobusobozi Bisaka, the revered founder and spiritual leader of the Faith of Unity (Obumu Ruhanga Owobusobozi).
As Chief Guest at the grand celebration, President Museveni praised the Faith of Unity for instilling values of discipline, unity, and hard work among its followers.
“These people have resisted disunity,” the President said. “I have come here to understand your beliefs, learn what you do, and see the good in it. I pray for blessings upon you and promise to support you.”
He emphasised the importance of preserving African spiritual and cultural heritage and encouraged the faithful to continue fostering self-reliance and peaceful coexistence within their communities.
Commissioning of Faith-Led School
During the celebrations, President Museveni officially commissioned the newly constructed Omukama Ruhanga Owobusobozi Bisaka Itambiro Secondary School, a multipurpose educational facility located in Kapyemi. The school, founded by the Faith of Unity, highlights the sect’s strong commitment to education and youth empowerment and now serves over 4,000 students who benefit from both academic instruction and spiritual mentorship.
Honouring the President
In recognition of his continued leadership and protection of freedom of worship in Uganda, Omukama Bisaka presented President Museveni with a heifer—a traditional symbol of gratitude and blessing. The spiritual leader also reaffirmed his support for Museveni’s continued leadership.
“Without peace, our mission could not have grown. We thank you for creating an environment where Ugandans can pray freely,” Owobusobozi stated.
Origins and Growth of the Faith
Born in 1929, Omukama Bisaka is celebrated for founding the Faith of Unity on February 22, 1980, following what his followers believe was a miraculous healing of a woman named Mutoro.
Since that day, the movement has expanded rapidly, with 35 dioceses (Amakwenda) established across Uganda. Each diocese includes a healing centre, where congregants gather for prayers and divine healing on the 2nd, 12th, and 22nd of each month.
The Faith of Unity blends spiritual healing, moral discipline, and social reform, offering a unique Ugandan religious experience rooted in cultural traditions and values.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
The Thanksgiving event featured vibrant cultural performances that celebrated the rich heritage of the Bunyoro region and the enduring teachings of Owobusobozi Bisaka.
Kagadi District LC5 Chairperson, Mr. Ndibwami B. Yosia, commended the Faith of Unity for its transformative impact on the community.
“Before Owobusobozi Bisaka’s teachings, this area was marred by witchcraft and cannibalism. His message of unity and righteousness helped our people abandon harmful practices and embrace peace and hard work,” Ndibwami said.
Teachings and Practices
The Faith of Unity differs from conventional religions in several ways: it rejects the Bible, calling it divisive, and instead follows the Book of Faith and Unity, authored by Owobusobozi.
Followers emphasise deeds such as cleanliness, charity, grazing animals, prayer, and self-discipline as the path to eternal life. New members must confess and cleanse their past sins through the guidance of Owobusobozi.
Holy water, collected from rain and blessed by the leader, is distributed to believers, who claim it provides physical and spiritual healing. Worshippers wear white tunics (Kanzus) as a symbol of purity during prayers.
A Living Legacy
Omukama Bisaka is revered by his followers not only as a prophet but as “Ruhanga”—God in human form. His teachings continue to draw large numbers of believers who credit him with miraculous healings and moral transformation.
The Faith of Unity stands today as a rapidly growing religious movement in Uganda, built on the pillars of unity, healing, and righteousness, and deeply embedded in the social and cultural landscape of the communities it serves.
