By Frank Kamuntu
In a significant meeting today at State House, Entebbe, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni hosted His Beatitude Pope Theodore II, the Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, marking a moment of spiritual and diplomatic engagement between Uganda and the Greek Orthodox Church.
Pope Theodore II, the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, one of the world’s oldest Christian patriarchates, was warmly received by President Museveni. The two leaders engaged in a deep conversation centered on promoting religious harmony, unity, and the role of faith in fostering peace and development across the African continent.
In his remarks, Pope Theodore II expressed his gratitude for Uganda’s commitment to upholding religious freedom, particularly highlighting President Museveni’s leadership in supporting diverse faiths within the country. “Your Excellency, we bring you the gratitude of the Orthodox Church for the warm reception we have received,” the Pope stated, acknowledging Uganda’s peaceful relationship with the Orthodox Church, particularly with Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, the Archbishop of the Orthodox Church in Uganda.
The Pope also noted the significant and peaceful ties between Uganda and the Orthodox Church, praising the strong relationship between Metropolitan Muzeeyi and Uganda’s leadership. “Whenever he is in Egypt, we are always happy to receive him, and I know that his heart is at peace because of you. May the Lord bless you,” he added, reinforcing the cordial and respectful bond between Uganda and the Church.
Pope Theodore II also took the opportunity to commend Uganda for its role in fostering regional peace, particularly in addressing the conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He emphasized the efforts of the Orthodox Church in the region, which provides support to children and orphanages in areas affected by conflict.
The Pope further extended his thoughts on the importance of mutual respect and tolerance between religious groups, recognizing both Muslims and Christians alike while acknowledging the dangers of extremism. “We respect both Muslims and Christians alike. We also recognize that fundamentalism exists in various forms, and we pray that the Lord grants you and your family good health and strength to continue leading with wisdom,” he said.
On his part, President Museveni reiterated the need for tolerance and respect among all religious and cultural groups, reflecting on the biblical teachings of the Good Samaritan. He emphasized that genuine faith is about action rather than rhetoric, criticizing religious extremism as a misguided force. “Jesus was clear—judge what you do, not what you say or claim to be. Those who disturb others in the name of religion are misguided,” Museveni said.
Drawing from his own experience, the President illustrated the African tradition of respecting others despite differences in beliefs. He shared a personal anecdote regarding former Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir, saying, “I told him that my list of haram is much longer than his. I don’t eat fish; I call it a snake. I don’t eat chicken or many other things because of our ridges. But the difference with African tribes is that even when my neighbors eat these things, we respect one another and live together in peace.”
Museveni also touched on the divisive nature of identity politics and sectarianism, warning against the dangers of division based on religion or ethnicity. “If I don’t respect someone because he is not from my tribe, then I am an enemy of myself first and foremost. We have little regard for sectarianism because even Jesus did not preach division,” he stated, urging Ugandans to embrace unity and mutual respect.
The meeting, which also saw the presence of Vice President Jessica Alupo and Archbishop Jeronymos Muzeeyi, was a testament to Uganda’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and building a cohesive society where religious differences are celebrated rather than feared.
As part of the Pope’s visit, he and his delegation are scheduled to tour Lwemiyaga and Gulu, furthering their engagements with Ugandan communities and leaders, reinforcing the message of unity and peaceful coexistence that was central to today’s discussions.
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