President Museveni has urged Roman Catholics to work hard and get out of poverty.
Presiding over the centenary celebrations of Rubaga Roman Catholic Cathedral on Sunday, Mr Museveni said when Christianity came, it added value to Uganda’s heritage.
“We Africans already believed in God, but Christianity strengthened ideas like resurrection and forgiveness, “he said
However, Mr Museveni said he disagrees with the teaching that compares Christians to birds that neither sow nor reap.
“ My advice is to follow the parable of the talents and St. Paul’s message , whoever does not work, should not eat” work hard ,get out of poverty , and support your families ,the Church , and the State. That is true Christianity. Congratulations on this milestone,” Mr Museveni said
The Archbishop of Kampala Paul Ssemogerere praised President Museveni for honouring their invitation to attend the function.
The day coincided with Kampala Archdiocese Day. Lubaga Cathedral, which serves as the seat of the Kampala Archdiocese, was officially consecrated in 1925 and has since stood as a symbol of Catholic heritage and resilience in Uganda.
It was constructed through the efforts of early missionaries and local Christians, who used bricks made from the very soil of Lubaga Hill.
Over the past century, the cathedral has been central to Uganda’s spiritual, educational, and social development witnessing ordinations, baptisms, weddings, and national thanksgiving services.
The place where the cathedral is currently located was once a palace to Buganda Ssekabaka Muteesa I. This, interestingly, was in 1891. It was donated to early Catholic missionaries at the request of bishop Joseph Hirth by Kabaka Daniel Mwanga, the same man who later went on to order the killing of Christian believers otherwise known as Uganda Martyrs. Preparations to mark the cathedral’s 100 years of existence started at the beginning of the year, with many Christians eagerly anticipating the great day.