President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the Ugandan church for what he termed a “significant transformation” from being a source of past divisions to becoming a pillar of peace, responsibility, and spiritual renewal.
He made the remarks while officially closing the Light Up Uganda for Jesus Mission Convention at Kololo Independence Grounds, a five-day national spiritual gathering hosted by Pastor Patience Rwabwogo, Lead Pastor of Covenant Nations Church. The convention, themed “The Crossing”, drew thousands of believers from across the country and featured fervent worship, prayer, and teachings focused on national transformation through faith.
Speaking to the large crowd, President Museveni praised Pastor Patience and her ministry for spearheading a new wave of spiritual awakening in Uganda.
“I congratulate Patience and her church for this great effort,” he said, before delving into the historical evolution of religion in Uganda. He noted that, historically, churches and religious institutions had contributed to sectarian divisions, both in Uganda and globally.
“Religion was once part of the problem. In Uganda’s 1962 elections, political parties were formed along religious lines — one for Catholics, another for Protestants, and another for Baganda. That kind of thinking brought division. The peace we have today came because we rejected that sectarianism,” the President stated.
Citing the arrival of foreign religions — Islam (1841), Anglicanism (1877), and Catholicism (1879) — Museveni highlighted how early missionaries were entangled in foreign conflicts and alliances. However, he emphasised that African societies existed for millions of years before these faiths and had their own systems of value.
Drawing from the Bible, President Museveni outlined six spiritual principles that have shaped his own beliefs and leadership: The Resurrection – “Traditional religions didn’t explain life after death, but Christianity introduced that concept”; Love and Selflessness – “Love God and love your neighbour. That alone could form a strong church”; The Parable of the Talents – “This teaches responsibility, productivity, and development — the very values we promote through the NRM.”
Others are: The Good Samaritan – “This rejects racism and sectarianism. The Samaritan helped someone of a different tribe and religion. That’s what true faith looks like”; Hard Work – “Some wrongly quoted scripture saying we should live like birds of the air. But St. Paul said, ‘If you don’t work, you shouldn’t eat” and Leading by Example – “Let your light shine through actions. Don’t waste time arguing over who is right—just live righteously.”
Museveni emphasised that the church must continue promoting values that foster unity, honesty, and development, while also critically evaluating traditions and cultural practices. “We’ve rejected things like homosexuality, so not everything traditional or modern is right. We must discern wisely,” he noted.
Visibly moved, the President expressed deep pride in Pastor Patience, calling her the first preacher in the Museveni family. “I am very happy with Patience. The missionaries came to our area in 1877, but none of my ancestors joined the church until my parents and I in 1947. Now we have a pastor in the family. I’m looking forward to her becoming a bishop,” he said.
He also thanked guest speaker Bishop LaDonna Osborn for her message of peace and purpose, based on Philippians 4:5 and Ephesians 2:10, which called Ugandans to live out their divine calling with unity and love.
Speaking at the same event, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, praised her daughter, Pastor Patience, for her obedience to God’s calling. “You are fulfilling what the Lord wants in this moment in our nation’s history. I believe we are in a destiny-defining season, a spiritual crossing like that of the Israelites in Joshua chapter 3,” she said.
Maama Janet emphasised that Uganda is undergoing a critical transition that requires national repentance, unity, and spiritual leadership. She outlined three key biblical principles necessary for this journey: Priesthood, Covenant, and Consecration.
She issued a call to spiritual vigilance, warning that seasons of national transition often face spiritual resistance. “The enemy will try to derail us, but if we remain united in prayer, we shall overcome.”
Maama Janet also shared a personal testimony about how her spiritual journey began through Bishop Osborn’s late mother, Dr. Daisy Osborn, who led her to Christ.
“That moment changed my life, and through it, all our children came to know God. The Osborn family are true friend of Uganda,” she said.
Pastor Patience, in a powerful and emotional address, described the convention as a life-altering encounter with God. “From Masindi to Kololo, the Lord has moved. We’ve seen healing, forgiveness, deliverance, and restoration. Words can’t capture what God has done,” she said, describing the atmosphere as filled with the presence of God.
She paid heartfelt tribute to her husband, Odrek Rwabwogo, for his unwavering support: “He has been my shock absorber over the last three years. Without him, this wouldn’t have been possible.”
Pastor Patience also thanked her children, family, and partners who supported the mission. Honouring her parents, she said: “This is the sixth mission they’ve supported. They are our David and Esther. Through them, the Gospel has advanced, and the Church has grown stronger. May God bless you with many more years.”
In attendance were leading Ugandan church figures, including Rev. Canon Michael Lubowa, Bishop David Kiganda, Pastor Jackson Ssenyonga, Pastor Robert Kayanja, and Dr. Joseph Sserwadda, among others.
President Museveni concluded his remarks by reaffirming the partnership between the government and the church to promote moral clarity, peace, and national development.
“In this era of global confusion, we need spiritual clarity. Some churches in the West have been taken over by homosexuals, but here, we value our faith and will stand together. God bless you,” he said.
