KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to embrace the spirit of hard work and productivity as a foundation for supporting the Church, the state, and their families.
Speaking during celebrations to mark 100 years of St. Mary’s Cathedral Lubaga in Kampala, President Museveni drew inspiration from the biblical parable of the talents and St. Paul’s message to the Thessalonians, emphasizing that prosperity and faith must go hand in hand.
“I urge you all to focus on the parable of the talents and the message of St. Paul whoever does not work should not eat. Work hard to overcome poverty so you can support the Church, the state, and your families. This is the same message the NRM promotes. It’s one of the best Christian doctrines, alongside loving your neighbor as yourself,” the President said.
The celebrations, attended by over 5,000 worshippers, featured a special mass led by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala. The event also drew several government and religious leaders, including Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Buganda Premier Charles Peter Mayiga, and the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Augustine Kasujja.
President Museveni further urged unity among Ugandans, invoking the parable of the Good Samaritan as a lesson in compassion and inclusivity. “In the NRM, we don’t care about who you are but about what you do. Like the Bible says, let your light shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. We must be true Christians guided by this message,” he said.
In his remarks, Archbishop Ssemogerere thanked President Museveni for his continued support of the Church, particularly in education and health. “We appreciate the collaboration with your government, which allows our schools and hospitals to continue serving communities,” he said. The Archbishop also urged leaders to foster unity and called for swift government action to curb land grabbing.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Lubaga, completed in 1925, stands as a historic symbol of faith and community effort. Built on land donated by Kabaka Mwanga II to the Catholic missionaries, the cathedral was constructed using over 2.5 million locally made bricks and remains one of Uganda’s most iconic religious landmarks.