)
)
Ugandans flocked to places of worship today to mark Christmas with prayers and reflections.
At St Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga, the celebrations were led by Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere and attended by prominent leaders, including the Minister of State for Higher Education Dr Chrysestom Muyingo, the Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga, and opposition leader Bobi Wine.
The occasion was filled with meaningful speeches touching on faith, family, and national issues.
)
)
)
)
Bobi Wine Urges Revival of Christmas Values
Opposition leader Bobi Wine used the platform to preach the importance of teaching younger generations the true meaning of Christmas.
Reflecting on his childhood, he lamented the erosion of Christmas traditions.
“When we grew up, we used to listen to Philly Lutaya, who, in his songs, reminded us about the essence of the celebration. But today, the meaning of Christmas is slowly getting eroded,” he said.
He shared his dismay at modern influences on children, including songs like Last Christmas, which he said misrepresented the holiday’s essence.
Bobi Wine urged families to focus on the spiritual significance of the day. “Christmas is not all about buying new clothes and going to parties but reviving ourselves and reminding ourselves of why Christ was born for us,” he added.
)
Wine also used the occasion to remind Ugandans about political prisoners.
He called for prayers for their release, urging forgiveness and compassion for those responsible for their imprisonment.
Kabaka Mutebi's Message Delivered by Katikkiro Mayiga
Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga conveyed the Christmas message of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, reassuring the nation that the King’s health is steadily improving.
)
“The King in his message has told us that his life is improving rapidly. He says he is feeling much better, and we pray that he continues to regain his health,” Mayiga announced.
The Kabaka also urged Baganda to remain steadfast and to avoid tribal divisions, particularly referencing the controversies surrounding the Coffee Amendment Bill.
“The King is dismayed by the conduct of our parliament, being a place of constant fights and divisions. He wants us to avoid tribal divisions,” Mayiga said.
The Kabaka also encouraged young people to seek advice from elders and to preserve Luganda traditions, lamenting that many Baganda no longer speak their mother tongue.
Minister Muyingo on Parental Responsibility
Minister Chrysostom Muyingo focused his message on the importance of raising children with care and responsibility.
He noted the growing challenge of school dropouts caused by parental negligence.
“Many children have been forced to drop out of school because of our actions as parents,” he remarked.
Muyingo urged parents to use the festive season to bond with their children and teach them the values of Christmas.
“Sit down with them and teach them what Christmas is all about. Read the holy book,” he advised.
He also cautioned against allowing children to roam unsupervised during the holidays, emphasising the importance of guiding them to build a better future for the country.
A Day of Reflection and Unity
The service Rubaga Cathederal was graced by several other leaders including the former Buganda Prime Minister Joseph Mulwanyamuli Ssemwogerere, government leaders among others.
The leaders’ messages touched on themes of unity, responsibility, and faith, reminding Ugandans of the importance of preserving their traditions, values, and community spirit during the festive season and beyond.