A Discernment and Apostasy watch site for African Saints.
Prove all things..(1 Thesa.5:21)
Test Spirits..(I John 4:1)
Like the Bereans, check whether things are so(Acts 17:11)
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan speaks with U.S. Vice President
Kamala Harris (not pictured) during a meeting inside the Eisenhower
Executive Office Building at the White House in Washington, U.S., April
15, 2022. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo
Suluhu under fire after her gov't shuts down megachurch for condemning abductions
Tanzania’s President
Samia Suluhu Hassan is under fire after her government deregistered one
of the country’s biggest Pentecostal churches. Glory of Christ Church,
Ufuo na Uzima, and its over 2,000 branches have been shut down.
Its
founder, Kawe MP and Bishop Josephat Gwajima, has been openly
condemning enforced disappearances. The government says his sermons are
inciting the public against the state and threatening national
stability.
“People
are vanishing. And when you stay silent, you don’t know if you’re next…
even sheikhs are taken from their homes and found dead. Who’s next?”
Bishop Josephat Gwajima said.
A strong warning from the pulpit — in one of many fiery sermons by
outspoken Kawe MP and founder of Glory of Christ Church, Josephat
Gwajima, in the heart of Dar es Salaam.
For months, Gwajima
has used his altar as a political platform, decrying abductions and
disappearances of government critics. He claims more than 80 people have
either gone missing or been found dead, a dark record Tanzania hasn’t
seen in decades.
“CCM
under Nyerere — even Magufuli — never endorsed abductions. Those behind
this are doing it for their own reasons. I’ve named 83 people — some
missing, some dead," Gwajima stated in a message that rattled Mama
Suluhu’s government.
On
Sunday, in a swift move, the Ministry of Home Affairs revoked the
church’s registration, accusing Gwajima of using politically charged
sermons to incite citizens against the state.
By
Sunday evening, the church was shut down, forcing thousands of faithful
to pray on the streets. Tension flared overnight as armed police sealed
off the premises, fired teargas, and arrested defiant worshippers.
Stones flew. Teargas filled the air.
But the embattled
bishop won’t back down. He declared seven days of prayers in more than
2,000 church branches — while hurling fresh jabs at President Suluhu.
“The
police chief and everyone under him are appointed by President Suluhu.
If people are abducted and never seen again — what’s happening in this
country?” he pointed out.
The
Secretary General of the Tanzania Catholic Church Episcopal Conference,
Father Dr. Charles Kitima, led a thanksgiving mass after surviving a
brutal attack by unknown assailants, who left him for dead at his parish
in Dar es Salaam last month.
“Silence
means giving evil a license. They’re abducting religious leaders and
citizens alike. Kitima was beaten within an inch of his life. I won’t be
silenced until we account for every missing soul," he added.
The opposition is now demanding President Suluhu carry the weight of these unanswered questions.
Persistent preaching of the gospel to
believers languishing in poverty will not change their fortunes,
President Yoweri Museveni has said.
Museveni
said instead, the clergy should join the government’s efforts to spread
the wealth creation message to Ugandans. He advised that instead, they
should at least use part of the sermons to sensitise people on how to
fight poverty through engaging in wealth creation activities such as
commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT.
The
President made the remarks in his message delivered by the special
presidential assistant on press and mobilization, also deputy
spokesperson, Faruk Kirunda, during a 2025 mega crusade of the Universal
Apostles Fellowship Church of Righteousness (UAFCR), held at Saza
Grounds in Kayunga district.
The church has several branches around the world, and in Uganda, it’s headed by Prophet Daudi Isanga.
The crusade at Saza Grounds
“Please
spread the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s wealth
creation message. You should use the Church to help our people to fight
poverty,” Museveni said while commending Isanga for having started
preaching the NRM wealth creation message among the believers a long
time ago.
He tasked other religious leaders to
take a leaf from Isanga. He pledged to donate a tractor to believers to
increase productivity in their commercial agriculture enterprises. He
added that the NRM government believes in the politics of interest,
which focuses on the welfare or well-being of the general public.
The President also disclosed that the
country has many places of worship due to the NRM’s rights policies and
laws, which, among others, emphasize freedom of worship. He, however,
urged believers to use the freedom to promote peace and unity in the
country.
“Our government doesn’t
discriminate against any Ugandan based on their tribe, religion, or
political affiliation. This is so because of the right policies and
principles. That’s why you are able to freely worship whatever and
whenever you want as long as you don’t break the law. Between 1977-1978,
Amin outlawed freedom of worship because he was a coward who never
wanted to be criticized,” Museveni said.
For his part, Isanga decried the high
crime rate in Kayunga district such as witchcraft, land theft, human
sacrifice, among others. He said such criminality tainted the image of
Kayunga and that the district needed revival as soon as possible.
“You should return to God so that you revive the image of this district,” he said.
He praised Museveni for being a just and selfless leader whose visionary leadership has steered Uganda’s development.
“Unlike
the past leaders, President Museveni is one of a kind. He is a kind of
leader who is abused, criticized and does nothing to those who castigate
him. He has all the qualities of a good leader.”
The
minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development also
the member of parliament for Ntenjeru North, Amos Lugoloobi concurred
with Isanga on the issue of criminality in Kayunga, reiterating that the
district needs revival.
The crusade
was also attended by the minister of state for Bunyoro Affairs, Jenipher
Namuyangu, commissioner in-charge of Kampala Metropolitan Area, RDC
Secretariat, Frederick Mbagadhi Nkayi, Kayunga RDC, Mariam Seguya, among
other leaders.
President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet
Museveni have in the past three years read thanks giving and apology
messages to the people of Northern, Eastern and Western region; and
capped the messages with one for Buganda, on May 24th
Bishop Osborne predicts peaceful Ugandan political transition
NEWS ANALYSIS | THE INDEPENDENT | On May 24th, at
Kololo Independence Grounds, President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady
Janet Museveni read out a prayer of thanksgiving and apology for their
actions during their 40 years in leadership. The apology has stirred
much debate across the country.
Haltingly, they read out: “…We acknowledge that we are human and have
made mistakes in one way or another. Forgive us, Lord. Also, there has
been marked laxity, negligence, and lack of diligence on the part of the
team of leaders we entrusted with responsibility and resources to
develop this region and the whole country. Corruption has also continued
to hinder progress in many ways.”
“Therefore, many of our grassroots supporters have become disgruntled
and angry and often have an erroneous perception that our government
neglected them or failed them or forgot them,” they added.
They concluded, “As the top leaders of the Movement, we humbly take
full responsibility for all the mistakes made by ourselves, our agents,
and our representatives. We therefore stand here to repent and ask for
your forgiveness and the forgiveness of especially the people of Buganda
and the whole country.”
This was followed by the signing of a declaration codenamed “Light up
Uganda for Jesus”, which was the climax of a four-day crusade organized
by the Covenant Nations Church.
“Uganda will never again have violence during times of political
transition. From now on we will have a peaceful transfer of power. Our
leaders and their families will never again flee into exile or die in
exile. They will live long in the land and enjoy the fruits of their
labor,” said the declaration read out by all who attended the Kololo
event.
They concluded that, “Uganda will never again go back to wars,
sectarianism, tribalism, division, and bloodshed. All political
differences will be settled through dialogue and not war.”
President
Museveni and Janet Museveni (right), together with Bishop Osborn pour
anointing oil on the ground as a religious symbol of the Holy Spirit.
This, after signing the “Light Up Uganda for Jesus Declaration” at
Kololo on May 24th. The Covenant Nations Church has made similar
declarations in all regions of the country since 2022.
Earlier, Bishop LaDonna Osborn, who was the main speaker at the
crusade, also preached, saying, ” God has peace for Uganda. This
transition will be peaceful. It will be a miracle.”
She added, “Leaders of other nations will look to Uganda, and they
will ask, ‘how did you do that when there is bloodshed at almost every
election on the continent of Africa?’. Not here.”
What followed was a huge public debate about the timing of the
repentance and apology and what it all meant for a political transition,
if at all there was one.
Tailored messages for each region
For those who have been following the Covenant Nations Church
crusades for the past three years, this is not the first time President
Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni are reading out a thanksgiving
and apology message. They have done that in all the regions of Uganda,
with messages tailored for each region.
The Light Up Uganda Crusade has been rolling since 2022, rotating
from Luweero on 7th May 2022; Masindi in Bunyoro on 21st Jan 2023; Gulu
in Northern Uganda on 2nd Sep 2023; Mbarara in Ankole on 18th May 2024;
and Tororo in Eastern Uganda on 13th Sep 2024. Kololo on May 24th was
Buganda’s turn. (See prayers for the different regions BOTTOM OF PAGE).
In Bunyoro, President Museveni read out a similar message on January
21, 2023, at the closing ceremony of a four-day crusade organized by the
Covenant Nations Church at Kabalega Senior Secondary School in Masindi
District. The crusade ran under the theme “Light up Bunyoro for Jesus.”
Pastors led by Elder Kasaija Nicholas prayed for President Museveni and
the First Lady and read a declaration asking for repentance and
forgiveness that was later signed by the President and Mrs. Museveni.
The declaration was also signed, dedicating the land of Bunyoro to God.
In Eastern Uganda, it was about “re-opening of the eastern gate”
through “Light Up Eastern Region for Jesus” Mission; September 2024 in
Tororo
In Acholi in September 2023, the president and first lady read a
message saying that “people lived in internally displaced people’s
camps. Families, clans, and whole communities were greatly disrupted,
resulting in the breakdown of the social structure in the subregion. You
gave us the wisdom and grace to work with some of them through mutual
respect and comradeship. With your undeniable support and blessing, we
succeeded in winning all these wars.”
The convener of the Light up Uganda for Jesus conferences is Pr.
Patience Rwabogo, who said God asked her to visit each region of the
country in 2022. The conferences bring together religious leaders from
the Pentecostal and Anglican churches.
The Kololo conference on May 24 included national intercession
sessions led by Apostle Michael Kimuli, which officials said were “aimed
at safeguarding the nation through spiritual unity.”
Bishop Joshua Lwere from the National Fellowship of Born Again
Pentecostal Churches, led a special prayer for a peaceful transition of
power as the country draws closer to the general elections.
The Light Up Uganda declaration that President Museveni signed at
Kololo, marking the climax of the three-year nationwide crusade, stated
that, “In 2022, you instructed us to go around the country, preaching
the word of God and building regional altars of prayer. After three
years, the ‘Light up Uganda’ missions have traversed the country to
build the canopy of prayer, repentance, and dedication.”
Patience Rwabogo (right) introduces Bishop LaDonna Osborn to President Museveni
Museveni’s speech
At the official closing of the Light up Uganda for Jesus Mission
Convention at Kololo, Museveni went back to the year of Uganda’s
independence to explain the role of Christianity in the development and
also division of the country.
“The challenge Uganda faced in the 1962 elections was religious
denominationalism. Our current peace is a result of rejecting that
division. African societies are ancient, over 4.5 million years old, but
the introduction of new religions led to conflict in just 13 years.
Despite this, some of us embraced Christianity,” he said.
President Museveni commended the church for what he described as a
significant transformation from being part of the problem to now being a
cornerstone of peace, responsibility, and spiritual progress in Uganda.
The five-day spiritual gathering, which began on May 19th, 2025, was
hosted by Pastor Patience Rwabwogo, the lead pastor of Covenant Nations
Church, under the theme “The Crossing.”
“I am proud of Patience Rwabwogo, the first pastor in our family in
150 years, and I look forward to her becoming a bishop. Her work brings
joy to me and Maama,” Museveni concluded.
Bishop Dr. LaDonna Osborn later visited the Nakasero State Lodge, accompanied by Pastor Patience Rwabwogo.
“Her visit provided us with an opportunity for deep spiritual
reflection and reinforced the bond of friendship between our families in
faith. We are grateful to God for the Osborn family’s legacy in Uganda.
From her first visit in 1961 to the 1985 crusade during a time of
national turmoil, Bishop LaDonna has stood by our nation through prayer,
hope, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel,” said Janet Museveni on X
soon at the end of the convention.
LaDonna Osborn is the daughter of famous evangelist TL Osborn, who visited Uganda several times.
****
FULL TEXT OF THE DECLARATION SIGNED ON MAY 24, 2025 at Kololo
Light Up Uganda For Jesus Declaration
Oh sovereign Lord, we worship you and magnify your name above all
other names. We bless your name and thank you for your loving kindness
that is from everlasting to everlasting. We praise you for your enduring
love and mercy on the people of Uganda. We make this declaration today,
through the name of Jesus, through whom we have become children of God.
In 2022, you instructed us to go around the country, preaching the
word of God and building regional altars of prayer. After three years,
the “Light up Uganda” missions have traversed the country to build the
canopy of prayer, repentance, and dedication. Isaiah 4:5-6 | And The
Lord will create over the whole site, over every dwelling place of Mount
Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining
of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory, there shall be a
canopy of defense, of divine love and protection. And there shall be a
pavilion for shade in the daytime from the heat and a place of refuge
and shelter from the storm and the rain.
On this day, the 24th of May 2025, here on the Kololo Independence
Grounds, we, the Church in Uganda, have gathered together to renew our
covenant and commitment to the Lord our God. We have repented for all
our sins against you, Lord, and against each other, and acknowledged our
guilt and iniquities that polluted and defiled the land.
We have received the blood of Jesus to wash and cleanse us and our
land of all the pollution of sin and defilement. We come before you to
renounce the path of sin and destruction and to covenant ourselves, our
families, and our land back to you. We renounce the sin of merging
Christianity with pagan beliefs and traditions. Witchcraft, idolatry,
sorcery, ancestral worship, superstition, backwardness, and ignorance.
The divisions in the body of Christ, especially the Anglican, Catholic,
and Pentecostal churches.
We renounce spreading hatred, unforgiveness, competition, and
dishonoring one another. Anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy,
contentions, strife, envy, rivalries, revenge, hatred, violence,
sectarianism, destruction of property, war and violence during political
transitions. Laziness, alcoholism, addictions, stagnation, regression,
and lack of progress. Murder and the shedding of innocent blood,
hardness of heart, and rejection of the gospel. Defiling the land in
Buganda and Uganda through all the evil customs and traditions.
Osborne
Evil covenants that have bound entire generations. Incest,
homosexuality, fornication, adultery, and all manner of sexual
immoralities. Poverty mindset that keeps our community that keeps our
communities bound in circles of backwardness. Corruption and lack of
transparency in government. Injustice, impunity, and lawlessness.
We agree, God being our help, we will worship the one true God. The
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Who redeemed our lives from the curse
through his son Jesus Christ. We will no longer divide the body of
Christ in Uganda but instead will work together in love, unity, and
honor. We will flee sexual immorality and uphold the sanctity of
marriage. We will work hard to make Uganda a praise in the nation and a
place of peace, wholeness, and blessing.
We will work with integrity and transparency, as unto God and not to
man. With God as our source, and our help, we will work to ensure that
Uganda becomes peaceful and prosperous place where all people can live
in dignity
Every church in Uganda must be a place that works to have economic
activities that bring people out of poverty and bring transformation to
the country. The church will now be involved in every economic endeavor,
such as agriculture, manufacturing, health care, education, the service
sector, mining, media and communication, entertainment, and more. The
purpose of economic prosperity is to build the kingdom of God and not
for self-aggrandizement.
The church in Uganda will fulfill her redemptive gift of becoming a
missionary-sending church. Our young people will go out of Uganda to
preach the gospel and not be servants.
Uganda will never again have violence during times of political
transition. From now on we will have a peaceful transfer of power. Our
leaders and their families will never again flee into exile or die in
exile. They will live long in the land and enjoy the fruits of their
labor. Uganda will never again go back to wars, sectarianism, tribalism,
division, and bloodshed. All political differences will be settled
through dialogue and not war.
Uganda will become a model nation in Africa, and other nations in the
region and the world will come to the light of our rising. We forget
what lies behind and press on to what lies ahead. We press on to win. We
embrace the gospel and the work to build God’s kingdom in Uganda. God
has a good plan for Uganda. To give us hope and a future.
Each home in Uganda will be a place of light, faith, hope, love, and
peace. From Uganda, the light of the gospel will go out to the nations
of the world. Uganda will continue to lead the way for unity and
integration in Africa. Uganda will lead the way in the return of people
of African descent, from around the world, to Africa. The Church in
Uganda will live to see the Isaiah 19 highway between Israel and other
nations established.
All the oil and mineral wealth of the nation will be used to build
the country and invest in the future. It is a blessing to the people.
From Uganda, food and productivity will go out to feed the nations. From
Uganda, manufacturing and industry will rise up to employ our youth.
From Uganda, hope and joy and righteousness will come to disciple the
nations. From now on Uganda will be a place of light that reflects the
glory of God.
As the church in Uganda, we close the doors of the past and walk through the new doors of the future that God has for us.
We agree with God’s good plans and purposes for us.
In Jesus’ mighty name.
*****
🟥 A compilation of the ‘Forgiveness and Thanksgiving’
messages read out by President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni in
past 3 years
May 24, 2025 – FULL TEXT OF Museveni and Janet PRAYER
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Our God and our Father, we stand here to appreciate you so much for
the unusual opportunity you have given us to lead this country for
almost forty years without interruption. We appreciate you for your
protection, sustaining us with good health and physical and mental
strength.
We also appreciate you so much for our family: our children, their
spouses, and our grandchildren. We appreciate you for the wonderful
teams of people we have worked with throughout these years on both the
national and local levels.
You gave us wisdom and leadership skills at every stage to work with
all kinds of people, and with your undeniable support and blessing, we
succeeded in winning every battle, and we think that we have laid the
foundation for the long-term transformation of the country.
Acknowledgement, responsibility & repentance But
we acknowledge that we are human and have missed you and made mistakes
in one way or another. Forgive us, Lord. Also, there has been marked
laxity, negligence, and lack of diligence on the part of the team of
leaders we entrusted with responsibility and resources to develop this
region and the whole country. Corruption has also continued to hinder
progress in many ways.
Therefore, many of our grassroots supporters have become disgruntled
and angry and often have an erroneous perception that our government
neglected them, failed them, or forgot them.
As the top leaders of the Movement, we humbly take full
responsibility of all the mistakes made by ourselves, our agents, and
our representatives. We therefore stand here to repent and ask for your
forgiveness and the forgiveness of especially the people of Buganda and
the whole country.
Prayer for restoration and favour
Lord, restore the favor that we had with them in the beginning. Bring
healing into their hearts, soften the hardened hearts, and reconnect us
to the original vision of national unity and unwavering commitment to
social and economic transformation of our nation together.
The way we came to them in the beginning is the same way we are
coming again. To resurrect our mutual love, respect, commitment, and
support. Restore their first love, we pray.
Commitment to national transformation
We are still totally committed to the welfare and development of this
region of Buganda, as we are for the whole country. May all the natural
resources be fully utilized for the benefit of the region and the whole
country.
It is our deep desire and prayer that the whole population of Uganda
will embrace the NRM vision of unity and transformation. Create and
resurrect the enthusiasm for hard work across Uganda.
Teach us your divine strategies to effectively create wealth for our
families and eradicate poverty, ignorance, and disease in our midst. May
transformation be tangible and evident across the land.
Dear loving Father, we pray that you bless our reunion today. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen.
September 2, 2023 in Gulu – FULL TEXT OF Museveni and Janet PRAYER
Our God and our Father, we thank you so much for the people and the
Land of Acholi. We stand here as shepherds that you have entrusted with
the great task of shepherding and leading your people at this time.
This sub-region, especially in three major seasons, experienced
untold pain: during Idi Amin’s regime, during the times of Alice Lakwena
and during the time of Joseph Kony.
People lived in internally displaced persons camps. Families, clans,
and whole communities were greatly disrupted, resulting in the breakdown
of the social structure in the subregion.
You gave us the wisdom and grace to work with some of them through
mutual respect and comradeship. With your undeniable support and
blessing, we succeeded in winning all these wars.
Eventually the subregion embraced the revolution. We started to see your hand of mercy, forgiveness, healing, and restoration.
However, many of our grassroots leaders and people have become
disgruntled and angry and often have an erroneous perception that we
neglected them.
As the top leaders of the Movement, we are here to take full
responsibility for all the mistakes that were made at various levels.
Forgive our failures and the failures and mistakes made by leaders we
entrusted with the various responsibilities to develop this subregion.
Forgive us we pray.
We are here to acknowledge those many mistakes as our own, but also
the weaknesses and stubbornness of the people themselves, who either
deliberately or unknowingly failed or neglected to embrace government
programs. This has resulted in so much poverty and suffering. For this,
we also ask for forgiveness. May there be genuine reconciliation between
us and these, your people. Commend us into their hearts again.
Lord, complete the process of forgiveness, healing, and restoration
that you yourself started, both in the hearts of your people and in the
whole land. Lord, expedite that healing process and total restoration of
your people in this sub-region.
Destroy from the roots all the wrong attitudes and perceptions that
cause unnecessary tensions, erroneous sentiments, and divisive politics.
Restore and strengthen the institutions: the family, the business
life, the education system, the local government leadership, the
cultural leadership, agriculture, etc.
As national leaders, we are totally committed to the welfare of your
people here and the development and prosperity of this subregion. Lord,
please honor and bless all our efforts to effect social and economic
transformation here.
Bless our reunion today, we pray. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.
September 13, 2024, in Tororo – FULL TEXT OF Museveni and Janet’s PRAYER
Our God and our Father, we thank you so much for the people and the
Great Eastern Region. We stand here as shepherds that you have entrusted
with the great task of shepherding and leading your people at this
time.
We are so burdened by the levels of poverty and the poor conditions
of our people here. There has also been a lot of enmity, strife, and
conflict amongst the various ethnic groups in this region.
Many of our grassroots leaders and people are disgruntled and angry
and often have an erroneous perception that we neglected them or that we
have not done enough to emancipate them from poverty.
As the top leaders of the Movement, we are here to take full
responsibility for all the mistakes that were made at various levels.
Forgive our failures and the failures and mistakes made by leaders we
entrusted with the various responsibilities to develop this region.
Forgive us, we pray.
We are here to acknowledge those many mistakes as our own, but also
the weaknesses and stubbornness of the people themselves, who either
deliberately or unknowingly failed or neglected to embrace government
programs.
This has resulted in so much poverty and suffering. For this, we also
ask for forgiveness. May there be genuine reconciliation between us and
these, your people. Commend us into their hearts again.
Lord, complete the process of forgiveness, healing, and restoration
that you yourself started, both in the hearts of your people and in the
whole land. Lord, expedite that healing process and total restoration of
your people in this region.
Destroy from the roots all the wrong attitudes and perceptions that
cause unnecessary tensions, erroneous sentiments, and divisive politics.
Restore and strengthen the institutions: the family, the business
life, the education system, the local government leadership, the
cultural leadership, agriculture, etc.
As national leaders, we are totally committed to the welfare of your
people here and the development and prosperity of this region. Lord,
please honor and bless all our efforts to effect social and economic
transformation here.
Bless our reunion today, we pray. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen
May 07, 2022 in Luwero- FULL TEXT OF Museveni and Janet PRAYER
Our God and our Father, we thank you so much for the people and this area, the old Bulemezi – (epicentre of Luwero Triangle).
We started the war to liberate our country here. The people in this
area received us and embraced the revolution. They sacrificed their
lives, children, security, food, and other resources to liberate this
nation.
You gave us the wisdom and grace to work with them through mutual
respect and comradeship. With your undeniable support and blessing, we
succeeded in winning the war and started laying the foundation for the long term transformation of the country.
However, along the way, some of our old fighters, leaders, and the administration here ceased the good ground and connectivity we had with this area. Some of our continued
support did not get to them as planned. There was laxity, negligence,
and lack of diligence on the part of the team of leaders we entrusted
with resources to develop this area. Therefore, many of our grassroots
supporters have become disgruntled and angry and oftenhave an erroneous perception that we just used them and forgot them.
As the top leaders of the Movement, we are here to take full
responsibility for all the mistakes that were made throughout that
period. We are here to repent and ask your forgiveness, Lord, and the
forgiveness of the people of this area.
Lord, restore the favor that we had with them in the beginning. Bring healing into their hearts, Lord.
The same way we came to them in the beginning is the same way we are
coming again. To resurrect our mutual love, respect, commitment, and
support. We are still totally committed to the welfare of your people
here and the development of this area and the whole country. Bless our
reunion, we pray.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.
May 18, 2024, in Mbarara- FULL TEXT OF PRAYER BY ANKOLE BISHOPS AND PASTORS
Our heavenly Father, we thank you so much for bringing us together,
this time through your servant Pastor Patience Rwabwogo, whom you raised
and anointed with a prophetic voice to spearhead this initiative.
We came together from all the ten districts and the various clans of
Ankole to un-dig the wells of revival. More than 80 years ago, you
visited us and sent a revival that totally transformed this region.
Our parents responded to you wholeheartedly. They turned away from
their wicked ways and rebellion and denounced witchcraft, sorcery, and
divination. They turned from idol gods, acknowledged and embraced you,
the True and Living God.
We also have repented of our unfaithfulness in the many areas we have
let you down and not walked in your ways. We have repented of misusing
and abusing the many great blessings you bestowed upon us and we
squandered upon our lusts. We have asked for your forgiveness. You are a
God of a second chance. We have asked and believed that you have given
us a second chance.
We came together this time to especially pray that you will rekindle
the fires of revival in this land. We pray that your Spirit will be
poured out again.
Revive us again, so that your people may rejoice in you. Show us your unfailing love, LORD, and grant us your salvation Psalms 85:6,7
We also want to corporately thank you for
President Museveni and the First Lady, Janet Museveni. Both of them
are children and products of the Revival, in which their parents played
an integral part. Their rise to leadership is testimony to your
faithfulness to those who serve you faithfully.
We are reminded of your words to King David, when you said that
because he had served you faithfully, you would honor him with
leadership, prosperity, and a great name. 2 Samuel 7
We humbly recognize and profoundly appreciate you for honoring our
parents, the revivalists of this land, by raising their children to
positions of leadership. Not only in the persons of the President and
the First Lady, but also the many others they are working with.
We recognize that many of our leaders today at various levels in
governments are children and products of the revival, especially those
from this land. For that, we stand here today to express our sincere and
profound gratitude to you, our loving God and Father.
We therefore pray a special prayer for these our children: H.E. the
President and the First Lady, whom you anointed and have used
tremendously to transform this country, that you will continue to fill
them with wisdom, favor, and grace to accomplish what you called them to
accomplish.
We pray that they will not fail you as Solomon did. We pray that they
will not betray the revival. We pray for strength and protection upon
them. We pray that your hand will never be removed from them so that
they may finish their tenure with grace, abundant grace, to the glory of your Holy Name.
We are all leaving here fully revived and determined to be better
leaders—as bishops, pastors, evangelists, apostles, men, women, youth,
the married, the singles, religious leaders, political leaders etc,
etc.—to take full responsibility for Ankole. We commit to walk in the
footsteps of our parents, who served you sacrificially, although with
fewer means and totally under-resourced.
Today we are envisioned to develop and transform this region. We have
denounced laziness. We are educated, equipped, and sensitized on how to
innovate and create wealth to maximize our vast resources in order to
effect social and economic transformation. Lord, dismiss us with a
special anointing and blessing.
We pray all this in the matchless name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
President Museveni Celebrates Spiritual Awakening As Churches Break From Religious Sectarianism
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the church for what
he described as a significant transformation from being part of the
problem to now being a cornerstone of peace, responsibility and
spiritual progress in Uganda.
He made the remarks today while officially closing the Light Up
Uganda for Jesus Mission Convention at Kololo Independence Grounds.
The five-day spiritual gathering, which began on May 19th, 2025, was
hosted by Pastor Patience Rwabwogo, the Lead pastor of Covenant Nations
Church, under the theme: “The Crossing”.
The convention drew thousands of faithful from across the country for
prayer, worship, and a renewed call to national transformation through
faith.
The day’s preaching was delivered by guest speaker Bishop LaDonna
Osborn, who emphasized peace, leadership responsibility, and
togetherness among Ugandans.
Drawing from Philippians 4:5 and Ephesians 2:10, she reminded the nation’s leaders and citizens alike of their divine purpose.
“We are His workmanship, urging all believers to live out their calling with love and unity,” she declared.
The convention also included powerful intercessory prayers
specifically dedicated to the Central Region, focusing on spiritual
revival, social healing, and national stability.
President Museveni who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister
of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni said: “I
congratulate Patience and her church for this great effort, and I will
say why later.”
He emphasized that for a long time, churches and religious
institutions had contributed to divisions within Uganda and elsewhere,
citing historical examples of sectarianism.
“I want to congratulate the churches because it seems you are
improving. Remember, the churches were part of the problem in Europe and
certainly here in Uganda. Because of narrow-mindedness, both the
churches and the Muslims were part of the problem,” he said.
President Museveni reflected on Uganda’s past, where religion was a
basis for political affiliation during the 1962 elections, leading to
entrenched divisions.
“One party was for the Catholics, another for the Protestants, and
another for the Baganda. The peace we are enjoying in Uganda now is
because we rejected that rubbish,” he said.
The President also credited the National Resistance Movement (NRM)
for refusing to adopt the divisive politics of religious denominations
and emphasized Africa’s deep roots and resilient societies that existed
long before the arrival of foreign religions.
“African societies are ancient four and a half million years old.
Islam came in 1841, Anglicanism in 1877, and Catholicism in 1879. Yet
within ten years, they were already fighting each other using guns:
Protestants backed by England, Catholics by France, and Muslims by
Turkey,” he said.
President Museveni, who said he took a personal interest in
Christianity, outlined six core values he drew from the Bible that have
guided his beliefs and leadership.
“Number one is resurrection. Traditional religion wasn’t clear on
this. They said in our language, ‘abaafa tibazooka’ (the dead do not
return). But Christianity introduced the idea of life after death,” he
said.
He highlighted Jesus’ teachings on love and selflessness as central to his personal philosophy.
“Jesus said love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as
yourself. If I had time to start my own church, that is what I would
teach,” he said.
President Museveni also praised the parable of the talents for
promoting responsibility and productivity, values aligned with the NRM’s
development agenda.
“That parable tells people to use their talents, improve their lives,
and glorify God. It resonates with what God said in Genesis: ‘Multiply
and fill the earth,” he said.
He strongly emphasized the parable of the Good Samaritan as a
rejection of sectarianism and racism, a principle on which the NRM was
founded.
“When I see people claiming to be God’s people engaging in
discrimination, I am not impressed. The Samaritan was from another
religion and tribe, yet he is the one who helped. Where do racists and
sectarians place this message of Jesus?” he asked.
Referencing St. Paul, President Museveni denounced laziness and misinterpretations of scripture that undermine the work ethic.
“In the 1960s, some people wrongly said we should live like the birds
of the air, which God feeds. But St. Paul said if you don’t work, you
shouldn’t eat. Even Jesus worked in Joseph’s carpentry shop,” he said.
His sixth point focused on leading by example and avoiding religious disputes.
“Let your light shine before men so they see your good deeds and
praise your Father in heaven. Instead of fighting over who is right,
just live rightly. You don’t know what God said for sure, so don’t waste
time on controversies,” he said.
The President urged religious leaders to acknowledge both the
positive and negative aspects of tradition, pointing out that not
everything inherited should be accepted.
“We rejected homosexuality, so you can’t say all traditional
practices are correct. You must sift the good from the bad,” he said.
He expressed deep personal joy over the role of Pastor Patience, who
became the first preacher in his (President Museveni) family.
“I am very happy with Patience. She is the first preacher in our
family. The missionaries came to our area in 1877. My great-grandfather
didn’t join the church, nor did my grandfather. It was only my father,
my mother, and I who joined in 1947. This is the first time we have a
pastor in the family. I’m looking forward to seeing her become a bishop.
Maama is also very happy,” he said.
Additionally, President Museveni reaffirmed his Biblical understanding and the importance of tolerance.
“Jesus said there are people pretending to be like you, casting out
demons. Should we chase them? He said no if they are not against us,
they are with us. I love what Jesus said,” he said.
He thanked Bishop Osborn and the wider religious community for their
spiritual leadership and moral clarity in an age of growing Western
influence.
“We are very grateful for their spiritual contribution and their
friendship. In the West, homosexuals had taken over some churches. So,
we value this friendship and will work together to push forward the
progress of our countries and the work of God. God bless you,” he said.
On her part, the First Lady also hailed Pastor Patience for her
unwavering commitment to God’s call, describing her as a faithful
servant whose obedience is shaping the spiritual direction of Uganda.
“I congratulate and thank you, Patience, for your willingness to
listen to the Lord and follow through with the instructions you hear,”
Maama Janet said.
“You are fulfilling what the Lord wants to be done at this particular time and in this particular place,” she said.
“This theme brings tears to my eyes, I believe we are at a
destiny-defining moment in our nation’s history,” the First Lady added.
She emphasized that Uganda is undergoing a critical season of
transition, one that mirrors the biblical crossing of the Jordan by the
children of Israel under Joshua’s leadership.
“Like the Israelites, we are entering a new phase that requires us to
leave behind old ways and embrace the responsibilities of a promised
future. God is still willing to lead us, but we must be willing to
obey.”
Maama Janet warned that moments of national transition often attract spiritual resistance.
“The enemy always tries to derail people and nations during times
like these. But with unity, prayer, and obedience, we shall prevail.”
Welcoming the American evangelist Bishop Osborn, Maama Janet shared a
deeply personal testimony of how her spiritual journey began through
LaDonna’s mother, the late Dr. Daisy Osborn.
“She led me through the sinner’s prayer and left me with a book that
repeated it. That encounter opened my heart to the knowledge of God and
changed my life forever. Consequently, all our children were introduced
to that same knowledge,” she recalled.
She described the Osborn family as “friends of Uganda when Uganda had
very few friends” and said the seeds they planted through evangelism
have outlived them.
“That Bishop LaDonna Osborn is our guest speaker today is not a coincidence. It is a divine orchestration.”
Drawing from Joshua chapter 3 the anchor scripture for the
convention, Maama Janet laid out three spiritual principles necessary
for Uganda’s successful transition: Priesthood, Covenant and
Consecration.
“The Priesthood that led the crossing then, is today’s Church of
Jesus Christ. You must stand united in servant leadership, leading the
people with humility and prayer especially as the country enters the
election season.”
She urged pastors and spiritual leaders to stay on their knees in
intercession, just as the Israelite priests stood firm in Jordan until
the last person had crossed.
“Uganda will be blessed by priests who remain in prayer as the nation moves forward.”
“We are covenant people, that is our assurance that even in times of
shaking, our destiny is secure because God has already given us the
promise,” she said.
Maama Janet also reminded believers that the covenant journey didn’t begin in Joshua, but in Genesis with the call of Abraham.
“Joshua told the Israelites, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the
Lord will do mighty things among you.’ This is our moment to repent and
return to righteousness,” she said.
She called on Ugandans to lay aside pride, unforgiveness, anger, and greed.
“Unity gives us strength to fight a common enemy. A house divided
cannot stand. If we honour God and honour each other, the Lord will
command a blessing even in life forevermore.”
Despite the challenges Uganda may face, the First Lady expressed confidence that the country will cross into its destiny.
She praised the Kampala Mission’s program for its powerful teachings on leadership, stewardship, family, and discernment.
“Thank you, Patience, for the topics you’ve chosen. Your conviction is stirring hearts across Uganda and beyond.”
The First Lady also thanked President Museveni for his consistent support of the mission and the younger generation.
“You can all testify that Mzee always sets aside time from his busy
schedule to attend these conventions. He fears and loves God. He loves
his children and all the children of Uganda. Thank you, Mzee, for being a
good father and a model of commitment,” she concluded.
Pastor Patience gave a deeply emotional reflection on what she called
a “life-altering encounter with the Lord,” declaring that Uganda is
witnessing a season of divine restoration and healing.
“We started in Masindi, and the Lord led us here. Everywhere He sent
us there has been healing, deliverance, restoration, forgiveness. This
week, we encountered God in this land. We are forever changed,” she
said.
Pastor Patience described the atmosphere as one thick with the
presence of God, a week marked by breakthroughs that words could barely
contain.
“It’s hard to capture in words what has transpired. Words can’t do
justice to what God has done. From Monday, we didn’t know what to
expect, but the Lord has gone beyond our expectations,” she added.
She described the spiritual tone of the week as one of deep deliverance and emotional healing.
“There were burdens, pain, heaviness but by the end, there was joy.”
“The work has been so deep and so sacred. I didn’t recap it. Instead,
we created a digital channel where all the messages are available for
anyone who wants to return to what God has spoken,” she said.
Pastor Patience reminded the congregation of God’s eternal power to triumph over all darkness.
“The Lord has done the impossible. His light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never overcome it.”
Pastor Patience also paid tribute to those who stood behind the scenes especially her husband, Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo.
“He’s been the most vulnerable player on this team. Without him, I
couldn’t have done this. He has been my shock absorber quietly carrying
the weight and the reality of the past three years. I thank him deeply,”
she said.
“To my family and friends, children, thank you. To our co-hosts and
every partner who supported this work thank you for making this
possible,” she said.
In a deeply moving tribute, Pastor Patience honoured President
Museveni and Maama Janet for their consistent spiritual covering and
support across multiple missions.
“This is the sixth mission I’ve attended, and they’ve always made
time to come. They are our David and Esther. God loved Uganda and His
Church and chose you to shepherd His people,” she said.
“Through you, the Gospel has advanced. The Church has grown stronger.
I pray the Lord grants you many more years to enjoy the fruits of your
labour.”
In attendance were also religious leaders, including, Rev. Canon
Michael Lubowa, Bishop of Central Buganda Diocese, Bishop David Kiganda,
Pastor Jackson Ssenyonga, Pastor Robert Kayanja, Dr. Joseph Sserwadda,
among others.
FULL TEXT OF THE DECLARATION SIGNED ON MAY 24, 2025 at Kololo
