President Museveni receives awards in honour of his relentless commitment to long term Peace and Stability, and his unwavering support to Church development initiatives
The Orthodox Church in Uganda and the Little Sisters of St. Francis, Nkonkonjeru recognized President Yoweri Museveni for his efforts to promote peace and stability in Uganda and the whole region.
th May 2023
The Orthodox Church on 7th May 2023 recognised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his efforts to promote peace and stability in Uganda and throughout the region.
On Sunday May 7th, 2023, at a ceremony to witness the consecration and official opening of St. George and Andrew the Apostle Church and a Secondary School in Lwemiyaga, Sembabule District, the President was recognised for his good leadership and support for the Orthodox Church’s activities in Uganda.
On Monday 8th May 2023, Vice President Major (rtd) Jessica Alupo presented President Museveni with the award, which was given to him by His Eminence Chariton Ilunga, Archbishop of Kananga in the Democratic Republic of Congo, who represented His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II.
President Museveni thanked the faithful of the Orthodox Church in Lwemiyaga for their generous contributions towards the completion of St. George and Andrew the Apostle Church and a Secondary School, which will extend educational services to the surrounding community, in a message delivered by H.E Alupo.
“The NRM government recognises the Orthodox Church’s contribution to extending social services to Ugandans, particularly in the health and education sectors.” “The Church has continued to partner with the Government in raising the population’s standard of living through the construction of schools, hospitals, and other facilities,” the President said, adding that it is a clear indicator that the Church is concerned about the material needs of the believers.
While spiritual nutrition is crucial, President Museveni stressed that it is not the only part of Christian ministry. He believes that a holistic and relevant ministry must exhibit equal care for the physical needs of the faithful, because Christians, like everyone else, have physical needs such as food, clothing, housing, and medicine that must be met.
“As a result, President Museveni urges all religious leaders to join forces with the government in the wealth creation campaign to end poverty.” Poverty in Uganda is caused by the fact that 39% of households continue to participate in subsistence farming. They are still only working for food. This is problematic because, in addition to food, other human wants are essential to live a happy and long life,” the President explained, adding that human needs have a monetary value and can only be obtained through the channel of money.
His Eminence Archbishop Leronymos Muzeeyi of Kampala and all Uganda, His Eminence Archbishop Innocentios Byakatonda of Burundi and Rwanda, and His Grace Bishop Archimandrite Panaretos of Nyeri and Mount Kenya all attended the ceremony.
President Museveni also accepted an award from the Reverend Sisters of St Francis, who marked their 100th anniversary on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
The award was given in recognition of the government’s support for the Catholic Church and its activities, as well as H.E. the President’s recognition of the founder of the sisters of St. Francis, Sister Mary Kevin Kearney, locally known as Maama Keviina, who was awarded a medal by President Museveni in 2014.
Her Excellency the Vice President Jessica Alupo represented President Museveni and conveyed his message during the ceremony conducted at the Sisters’ Mother House in Nkokonjeru, Buikwe district.
President Museveni commended the Catholic Church for maintaining a cordial relationship and partnership with the NRM government, in working towards the socio-economic transformation of Ugandan society.
The ceremony was attended by the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda His Excellency Luigi Bianco, Archbishop Paul Ssemwogerere of Kampala, the Bishop of Lugazi Diocese Christopher Kakooza, and Bishop Emeritus Matthias Ssekamanya of Lugazi and the Superior of the Reverend Sisters in Uganda Sr. Ritah Christine Nakitende.
Others were guests from the USA, Canada and from East Africa who delivered messages of peace to H.E President Museveni and Uganda at large.
