Museveni Joins Faithful to Mark Feast Day of St. Jude Thaddeus at Naggulu Parish- Photos

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today joined thousands of Christians at Our Lady & St. Jude Naggulu Parish to commemorate the Feast Day of St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of desperate and lost causes.

The main celebrant at the event was Bishop Mark Kadima Wamukoya, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bungoma in Kenya, who was accompanied by a delegation of pilgrims from Kenya.

In his address, President Museveni urged the faithful to strengthen their faith and family values, emphasizing that faith plays a vital role in shaping national strength and unity, particularly during challenging times.

He commended the faithful for their commitment and encouraged them to uphold the teachings of both Christianity and Islam, noting that the two faiths have significantly contributed to the moral and spiritual growth of society.

“I support the work of Christianity and Islam because I am from the indigenous groups of this place. Christianity added the concept of resurrection, when we die, there is another life. Resurrection was new to us,” President Museveni said.

He added that Christianity introduced important values that have helped guide Uganda’s transition from traditional belief systems to organized religion, which has in turn shaped the nation’s moral and social development.

“These ideas helped us shape our movement from tradition to religion, and that’s how we got some of our values. We were created in the image of God, when you don’t like me, you don’t like God,” he said.
“We were created in the image of God, so when you don’t like me, you are really rejecting God. Nzembagala mwena, tewali gwenkyawa,” he added in Luganda, meaning “I love you all; I hate no one.”

The President also reminded the congregation of the importance of love and forgiveness as central pillars of moral conduct.

“The Ten Commandments are summarized into two: love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. This is very important for value addition in society,” he said.

He further advised believers against revenge, urging them to embrace forgiveness.

“Jesus came with the message of unconditional forgiveness, therefore I find it very easy and rewarding,” he noted.

In his concluding remarks, President Museveni expressed gratitude for being invited to the celebration and pledged to take greater interest in the works of St. Jude Thaddeus.

“I am very happy to be here. I am glad you invited me. I will now take more interest in St. Jude—not only as part of supporting faith but also as part of promoting religious tourism,” he said.

The Parish Priest of St. Jude Catholic Parish Naggulu, Rev. Fr. John Mary Bbuye, warmly welcomed the President and expressed deep appreciation for his presence.

“Your presence today fills our hearts with renewed hope. It affirms the respect our government accords to the role of faith in shaping national character, fostering social development, and promoting unity,” Fr. Bwire said.