President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to embrace the values of love, forgiveness, and mutual respect as he addressed Christians during the Feast of St Jude Thaddeus at Naguru Parish, Kampala on Tuesday 28th October.
Speaking to thousands of pilgrims, including attendees from Kenya, ministers, members of parliament, and religious leaders, President Museveni reflected on the enduring contributions of Christianity to Uganda’s heritage and social cohesion.
He recounted his personal experience as an active Christian in the 1960s, serving as president of the Scripture Union, which gave him insight into the value Christianity adds to clans, tribes, and society.
“Christianity added three new things; the concept of resurrection, that when we die we shall resurrect in another life. The second thing I saw was overcoming selfishness,” he said.
President Museveni cited the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of love.
“Jesus summarized the commandments into two; love God with all your heart and love your neighbour as you love yourself, which are very important to Christianity.” Museveni said.
He encouraged Christians to love and respect one another, reminding them that all humans are created in the image of God.
“The idea of loving God and loving your neighbour is great value addition to whatever we believe in. I love every Ugandan without discrimination,” he stated.
The President highlighted unconditional forgiveness as a third value that contributes to society.
“I commend the Church for integrating modern values into our traditional faith, especially the message of love that sums up the Ten Commandments. If you do not like me, you are rejecting God because I am created in His image. But as for me, I love you all. I thank you and wish you a blessed Feast of St. Jude Thaddeus,” he said.
He noted that these values have helped shape societal harmony and informed the development of hybrid systems combining traditional and religious principles.
President Museveni also praised the proposal to support parishes, linking it to the government’s historical support for religious institutions and religious tourism.
“That’s why we supported Namugongo. It’s the government which built Namugongo, both for Catholics and Protestants,” he stated.
The celebrations were led by Rt Rev Bishop Mark Kadima, who encouraged Christians to seek companionship and cooperation in solving problems, warning against isolation.
“If you are a lone ranger and you think you know everything, you are everywhere, you are alone woman show, you will be forever desperate,” Bishop Kadima said.
He also urged pilgrims to seek blessings and guidance from the Lord through prayer.
Naggulu Hill, founded in 1954 by the Mill Hill missionaries became Uganda’s first parish dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and St. Jude Thaddeus. What began as a small missionary post has grown into a national centre of faith, attracting pilgrims from across Uganda and beyond. The devotion to St. Jude has become a beacon of hope for the desperate and forgotten, reminding all that there is nothing God cannot do.
