President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, have received international evangelist Bishop Dr LaDonna C. Osborn at State House Entebbe, where they reflected on Uganda’s transformation, faith, leadership and the longstanding relationship between the Osborn family and Uganda.
Dr Osborn is in Uganda at the invitation of Pastor Patience Rwabwogo ahead of her consecration as an Episcopal Bishop on August 23, 2026. The ceremony will also coincide with the 20th anniversary celebrations of Covenant Nations Church.
Dr Osborn described herself as a friend of Uganda and recalled her first visit to the country in 1985, when she travelled with her late mother to prepare for a major evangelistic crusade at Lugogo.
She recalled the difficult conditions she encountered at the time, including the effects of years of conflict and insecurity, poor infrastructure and widespread destruction.
Comparing that Uganda with the country she sees today, Dr Osborn commended the transformation she said the country has undergone over the past four decades, particularly in peace, education, health, and freedom of worship and expression.
She also reflected on the difficulties that accompany leadership, noting that people undertaking important work will inevitably face opposition.
Dr Osborn used the biblical account of Nehemiah to encourage Pastor Patience to remain focused on her calling despite criticism and opposition.
She cited Nehemiah’s response to those who attempted to distract him from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem:
“I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.”
Dr Osborn said the message applied not only to religious leaders but also to those engaged in leadership and public service, stressing the importance of remaining committed to a worthy mission despite opposition.
She also recalled her family’s early Christian ministry in Uganda, saying she and her mother worked alongside local pastors and churches while preparing for the Lugogo crusade.
The visit also revived personal memories for the First Lady, who warmly recalled Dr Osborn’s late mother and her earlier visit to Uganda.
Maama Janet said Dr Osborn’s mother once visited the family to pray with them and gave each of their children a Bible and one of her books.
She recalled a message in the book encouraging readers to seek God, saying the experience had a lasting impact on her.
“Your mother came to Uganda and came to pray with us. It was precious. She gave each of our children their first Bible and one of her books. At the back there was a message where she said, ‘If you want to meet God, repeat these words after me.’ I did, and it has never been the same since then,” Maama Janet recalled.
The First Lady said the Osborn family’s history in Uganda remains deeply cherished.
“There is so much remembrance of your mother. Your mother and yourself mean a lot to us,” she said.
Maama Janet also welcomed Pastor Patience’s forthcoming consecration, describing her as a woman with a strong relationship with God.
“Pastor Patience has a strong relationship with God. When we see Pastor Patience going to be consecrated a Bishop, we cannot thank God enough,” she said.
The meeting brought together memories stretching across four decades: from the Uganda Dr Osborn encountered in 1985 to the country she returned to in 2026, and from her mother’s early ministry to Pastor Patience’s forthcoming consecration.
It also highlighted the continuing relationship between the Osborn family and Uganda through Christian ministry, prayer and evangelism.
Dr Osborn is expected to participate in a series of Christian activities ahead of the August 23 consecration ceremony at Covenant Nations Church in Luzira, which will also mark the church’s 20th anniversary.
Pastor Patience Rwabwogo also attended the meeting.
