We’re “supporting religious institutions of historical significance”: Ugandan President at Catholic Anniversary Event

“We are confident that your government’s partnership will enable this sacred project to reach its final stage, not only for the Church but for the nation at large,” the Ugandan Catholic Priest had told President Museveni at Our Lady of Perpetual Help & St. Jude–Naggulu Parish, the national Shrine of St. Jude in Uganda, before inviting him to address the pilgrims.

He added, “We therefore invite government support through the relevant ministries and agencies to align with the Shrine’s development, ensuring that this sacred hill becomes a well-organized spiritual and urban destination.”

In his response, President Museveni pledged support for the project, recalling the government’s past involvement in the development of other faith landmarks in the country, including the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo.

“We supported Namugongo. We used certain formulas, for example, creating requests in the budget,” he said, noting that “such initiatives contribute to the country’s moral, spiritual, and cultural heritage.”

The Ugandan Head of State went on to recognize with appreciation Christianity in the East African nation for what he described as their “value addition” to African spirituality and culture.

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"Christianity especially added three new things: the concept of resurrection, the teaching to overcome selfishness by loving your neighbour as yourself, and the message of unconditional forgiveness," he said.

For him, these new concepts have not only helped strengthen the African traditional systems but also added value to African spirituality and culture.

“I support the work of Christianity and the work of Islam,” President Museveni said, and added, “These faiths continue to enrich our society.”

He expressed gratitude for the invitation to the celebration and promised to take greater interest in the life and mission of St. Jude Thaddeus. 

“I will now take more interest in St. Jude,” he said during the October 28 Eucharistic Celebration to mark the 71st anniversary of the devotion to St. Jude Thaddeus in Uganda, which Bishop Mark Kadima Wamukoya of Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Bongoma presided over.