Museveni At Lubaga’s At 100: ”Stop Confusing Our People With Fake Parables, Ugandans Are Not Birds That Neither Sow Nor Reap”

By Our Reporter

St. Mary’s Cathedral Lubaga was a scene of deep reverence and celebration as hundreds of faithful gathered to mark 100 years since its consecration. The cathedral, a landmark of Uganda’s Christian faith and heritage, was originally consecrated on October 31, 1925, by Bishop Henry Streicher, one of the pioneering White Fathers who helped spread Christianity in Uganda.

This year’s centennial celebration, held on October 26, 2025, was led by the Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, who was joined by Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, Bishop Serverus Jjumba, several Monsignors, and priests from across the country. The ceremony was held under the theme, “The Temple of God is Sacred. You Are That Temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17).

Archbishop Ssemogerere reminded believers that holiness begins from within and called on all people, regardless of faith or background, to keep their hearts pure through humility, respect, and love for one another. He condemned acts of impunity, abuse, and torture among Ugandans, urging the faithful to uphold peace and fairness as the country moves toward the 2026 general elections.

He also referenced the March 2025 Pastoral Letter of the Catholic Bishops of Uganda, “The Truth Will Set You Free” (John 8:31–32), which he said should guide citizens in choosing leaders and promoting justice.

Reflecting on the cathedral’s rich history, Archbishop Ssemogerere noted that Lubaga has stood as a spiritual home for generations and has hosted three Popes: Pope Paul VI in 1969, Pope John Paul II in 1993, and Pope Francis in 2015. It has also witnessed three Episcopal ordinations and historic moments of Christian unity, including the 1984 meeting between the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, and Cardinal Emmanuel Kiwanuka Nsubuga.

That spirit of unity was once again evident at the centennial celebrations, which were attended by Archbishop Dr. Steven Kaziimba Mugalu and Bishop Moses Banja of the Anglican Church, alongside Muslim Sheikhs.

Archbishop Ssemogerere thanked Catholics, well-wishers, and friends for contributing to the cathedral’s refurbishment drive, “Yooyoota,” which aimed to raise Shs 2.4 billion. He applauded the central government’s Shs 300 million contribution toward the restoration of the cathedral and its facilities.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja represented the central government at the event, while the Buganda Kingdom was represented by Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who graced the celebration as Guest of Honour, paid tribute to the White Fathers for their devotion and service to Uganda’s spiritual growth.

In a message shared after the event, the President congratulated the Catholic community on the milestone and reflected on the role of Christianity in enriching African heritage.

“I joined the faithful to celebrate 100 years of St. Mary’s Lubaga Cathedral. I congratulate the Catholic community in Kampala Archdiocese and across Uganda. When Christianity came, it added value to our heritage. We Africans already believed in God, but Christianity strengthened ideas like resurrection and forgiveness,” he wrote.

The President, however, emphasized that true faith must be matched with hard work and self-reliance.

“I disagree with the teaching that compares us 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,” President Museveni said.

As the golden light of the evening touched the cathedral’s red bricks, its century-long story stood as a testament to endurance, faith, and the shared vision of those who built it. St. Mary’s Cathedral Lubaga inspires generations of believers and remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s Christian history from a modest structure raised by early missionaries to a towering beacon of worship.