My fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu, greetings from Rwakyitura! As we bask in the Easter festivities, alongside Maama, I extend my warm wishes for a joyous Good Friday and a blessed Easter (amahiimbuuka). Yes, indeed, it’s a time for celebration and reflection, as we commemorate Jesus’ triumphant victory over death. And what better way to honor this occasion than by auditing and augmenting the noble work of the NRM in our beloved Uganda?
Here in Rwakyitura, amidst the rolling hills and serene countryside, I had the pleasure of soaking in the Good Friday sermons delivered by our esteemed Christian preachers – the bishops and others. Their messages, centered around the theme of the “Way of the Cross,” resonated deeply with me. I was particularly heartened to hear them emphasize the two greatest Christian commandments: to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Praised be the Lord for the universal proclamation of this timeless message! It warms my heart to know that this has been the cornerstone of the NRM’s ideology since its inception in 1986. Indeed, our commitment to promoting unity and love among all Ugandans knows no bounds. That’s precisely why we made the bold decision to expel religious leaders, the Army chaplains, from the NRA – UPDF. Their divisive rhetoric, steeped in sectarianism, tribalism, and gender discrimination, had no place in our ranks.
It’s a breath of fresh air to witness the shift towards a more inclusive and harmonious discourse. The formation of the inter-religious council in 2001 by the religious leaders of Uganda is a commendable step towards fostering unity and understanding among different faiths in our nation. Let us continue this noble endeavor and uproot the poisonous tendrils of sectarianism that threaten to divide us.
But let’s not forget, my dear countrymen, that our battle against sectarianism is far from over. We must remain vigilant and steadfast in our commitment to building a united and prosperous Uganda for all. So as we celebrate Easter, let us not only reflect on the triumph of love over death but also recommit ourselves to the noble cause of eradicating sectarianism from our midst.
May the spirit of Easter imbue us all with renewed hope, unity, and compassion. Together, let us march forward towards a brighter and more inclusive future for Uganda.
God bless you all, and may you have a joyous Easter celebration!
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni President of the Republic of Uganda