The devout gathered in droves at the Rubaga Cathedral to celebrate the 57th Kampala Archdiocesan Day. This annual celebration, observed every last Sunday of October, unites Christians from the 69 parishes constituting the Kampala Archdiocese. The day saw the cathedral and its environs filled to capacity, with attendees ranging from clergy and government dignitaries to students from various institutions.
The festivities commenced with a 10 AM mass, attracting attendees from all walks of life. Marquees were erected around the cathedral to provide shelter as the event drew a large crowd.
The theme for this year’s celebrations, “Do not be afraid, rise, pick up your mat, and walk,” was drawn from Mark 2:11 in the Bible. In his sermon, the main celebrant, Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, addressed several pressing issues affecting the country, emphasizing the need to move beyond self-centeredness.
Archbishop Ssemogerere noted, “Our problem is minding only ourselves, ‘I am the first one,’ not being patient, being indiscipline, which yields all sorts of problems in life.” He implored God to guide the country towards upholding good morals. Additionally, he called on road users to respect each other and prioritize safety.
Regarding road safety, the archbishop highlighted the need for Ugandans to adhere to traffic regulations to prevent road accidents. In recent statistics shared by the police, road crashes increased from 10,025 in January to July 2022 to 11,312 in the same period in 2023. The government resurrected the Fika Salama campaign to address misbehaving drivers and curb road accidents.
Archbishop Ssemogerere also acknowledged the cathedral’s historical significance, recounting both joyous and somber moments. He emphasized the unity among the congregation and the avoidance of divisions, as division only leads to wounds.
The celebratory mass featured a choir singing religious songs between breaks, and the event included speeches that commended Archbishop Ssemogerere for his contributions to the cathedral. The festivities culminated in a sumptuous lunch enjoyed by the guests outside the cathedral.
The state minister for Primary Education, Ms. Moriku Kaducu, praised Archbishop Ssemogerere for his unwavering commitment to integrity and Christian values, particularly his stand against homosexuality and his continuous advocacy for abstinence and against abortion, especially among the youth.
She expressed gratitude, stating, “I want to thank you for standing with the Head of State to ensure that there is no space and no room for homosexuality in our community, schools, and in Uganda generally, and we pray that you continue to preach the need to uphold our Christian values.”
The event served as a platform to highlight the importance of upholding Christian values and promoting unity within the community. It was a day of reflection, faith, and a reminder of the significance of moral values in society, all celebrated under the towering arches of the Rubaga Cathedral.
