President Museveni has urged Ugandans to embrace the virtues of hard work, unity, and community support, drawing lessons from biblical teachings as St. Mary’s Cathedral Lubaga marked 100 years of existence.
Speaking during the centenary celebrations held on Sunday at Lubaga Hill in Kampala, President Museveni encouraged believers to reflect on the Parable of the Talents and St. Paul’s message to the Thessalonians, saying these teachings align closely with the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) principles on productivity and self-reliance.
“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,” Museveni 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.”
The President noted that economic empowerment is key to strengthening both faith and family, adding that Christians should use their talents and resources to uplift their communities.
He also invoked the Parable of the Good Samaritan to emphasize unity and shared purpose, urging Ugandans to prioritize collective interests over identity politics.
“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,” Museveni said.
The celebration drew more than 5,000 worshipers, including senior government officials, cultural leaders, clergy, and faithful from across the country.
The event was led by Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere and attended by the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and Buganda Kingdom Premier Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, among others.
In his homily, Archbishop Ssemogerere expressed gratitude to the President for his continued collaboration with the Church, especially in education and health, describing it as a sign of solidarity between faith and governance.
“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,” Archbishop Ssemogerere said. “We also thank you for honouring this occasion and recognising the role of the church.”
He also used the occasion to call for peace ahead of the forthcoming elections and appealed to leaders to foster unity and love for the nation.
“We draw your attention to concerns in our country regarding land grabbing. We appeal to your continued leadership and interventions so that this issue can be addressed firmly and justly,” he added.
St. Mary’s Cathedral, Lubaga, was completed in 1925 through community effort under the supervision of Bishop Henri Streicher and Brother Cyprian, who trained local artisans at a nearby skilling centre in Kasubi.
The Cathedral stands as a historic and spiritual landmark, built on land donated by Kabaka Mwanga II to the French Catholic Missionaries.
It has since hosted significant religious events, including the 1969 African Bishops Synod, and continues to symbolize faith, resilience, and unity in Uganda’s Christian community.