The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, has applauded the Catholic Church for its continuous role in promoting peace, unity, and moral guidance across Uganda.
She made the remarks while attending the 25th Priestly Jubilee celebrations of Rev. Fr Edward Muwanga at St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Parish, Ntinda, in Kampala.
The event drew hundreds of Christians and dignitaries who came together to honor Fr Muwanga’s dedicated service to the Church and community.
The celebration also recognized the long-standing contributions of Fr Joseph Kirumira and Fr Kizito Kiyimba, who were also marking 25 years in priesthood.
In her speech, Speaker Among thanked the Church for being a pillar of unity and a source of spiritual and moral strength for Ugandans. She said:
“The Church continues to be a guiding light in our communities, bringing people together regardless of background or belief. It teaches us love, peace, and unity, which are essential for national development.”
She praised the clergy for their selfless service and emphasized the Church’s contribution in shaping values among the youth, promoting family stability, and supporting the less privileged.
Speaker Among also commended the Ugandan Government, under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for protecting freedom of worship and maintaining interfaith harmony in the country.
“Because of this freedom, Ugandans of all religions can come together in peace, which strengthens the foundation of tolerance and unity in our country,” she said.
The event was filled with thanksgiving prayers, hymns, and cultural presentations from various parish groups. Christians showed appreciation for the priests’ service by presenting them with gifts and tokens of gratitude.
Fr Edward Muwanga, in his message, expressed deep gratitude to the Church leadership, parishioners, and the broader community for their support throughout his journey in priesthood.
This event reflects the important partnership between faith institutions and government in promoting peace, unity, and development in Uganda. As Uganda faces modern challenges such as youth unemployment and moral decline, leaders like Speaker Among recognize that faith-based values and guidance can play a major role in shaping a stable society.