Christian believers in Uganda today joined the rest of the world to celebrate Christmas day to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
Religious leaders across the country have used the opportunity to remind people to stay safe by following the SOPs put in place by the Ministry of Health to stop the spread of the COVID 19 Virus.
The Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference, Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa, while preaching at St Luke Kiyinda Cathedral of Kiyinda Mityana diocese asked Ugandans to live in harmony and promote peace to one another.
Bishop ZZiwa also preached about reconciliation, repentance and generosity towards others in this festive season.
Archbishop of Church of Uganda Rt Rev Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, re-echoed the same message and called upon Christians to reflect on the birth of Jesus as the only one that can give hope and peace to the world.
Bishop Kaziimba also disparaged that the pandemic has worsened gender-based violence (GBV) in families but that is also an indicator that there is no peace inside people’s hearts.
“People are walking but inside they are suffering.” He said. He also noted that domestic violence has not only affected women but also men who are facing violence in their homes.
He reminded Ugandans, that “Uganda is here to stay therefore we must work together because we need each other no matter the political and social differences”.
Mr. Daniel Matte, head of Seventh Day Adventist Church in Uganda also appealed to all Ugandans to allow Jesus Christ to reign in their hearts and pray for everyone who has faced difficulties during this year.
He encouraged the congregants to keep the faith and keep the hope alive.
Rev. Fr. Christopher Tusiime of St. Mary’s Kagadi Catholic Parish in Kagadi Vicariate, Hoima Diocese encouraged Christians to embrace vaccination against the COVID-19 pandemic and to observe SOPs.
He urged the congregants to stay safe by observing the SOPs even as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Apostle Moses Mukisa of Worship Harvest Ministries urged the congregation to commit their lives to God because everything starts and ends with God, be obedient to God’s call on their lives.
He also implored Christians to spend money sparingly as schools are re-opening in January next year. People need to plan for tomorrow instead of spending all the money they have made or saved in just a few days.
He urged Christians to forgive one another and pray for the safety of Uganda especially from the terrorists that the UPDF is currently fighting in the DRC.