By Anastasios Gordon Sekandi – Updated at 1529 EAT on Wednesday 25th December 2024

Believers flocked to places of worship today to mark Christmas with prayers and reflections.

At St Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga, the celebrations were led by Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere and attended by eminent figures, including the Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga, Minister of State for Higher Education Dr Chrysostom Muyingo, and opposition leader Robert Kyaggulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine).

The mass was filled with meaningful speeches touching on faith, family, and national issues.

Bobi Wine Urges Revival of Christmas Values
National Unity Platform President Bobi Wine used the occasion to preach the importance of teaching younger generations the true meaning of Christmas. Reflecting on his childhood, he lamented the erosion of Christmas traditions.

“When we grew up, we used to listen to Philly Lutaya, who, in his songs, reminded us about the essence of the celebration. But today, the meaning of Christmas is slowly getting eroded,” he said.

He shared his dismay at modern influences on children, including songs like Last Christmas, which he said misrepresented the holiday’s essence.

Bobi Wine urged families to focus on the spiritual significance of the day. “Christmas is not all about buying new clothes and going to parties but reviving ourselves and reminding ourselves of why Christ was born for us,” he added.

Bobi Wine also used the occasion to remind Ugandans about political prisoners.

He called for prayers for their release, urging forgiveness and compassion for those responsible for their imprisonment.

Kabaka Mutebi’s Message Delivered by Katikkiro Mayiga


Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga conveyed the Christmas message of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, reassuring the nation that the King’s health is steadily improving.

Minister Muyingo on Parental Responsibility

Minister Chrysostom Muyingo focused his message on the importance of raising children with care and responsibility.

He noted the growing challenge of school dropouts caused by parental negligence.

“Many children have been forced to drop out of school because of our actions as parents,” he remarked.

Muyingo urged parents to use the festive season to bond with their children and teach them the values of Christmas.

“Sit down with them and teach them what Christmas is all about. Read the holy book,” he advised.

He also cautioned against allowing children to roam unsupervised during the holidays, emphasising the importance of guiding them to build a better future for the country.

A Day of Reflection and Unity

A Day of Reflection and Unity

The service Rubaga Cathederal was graced by several other leaders including the former Buganda Prime Minister Joseph Mulwanyamuli Ssemwogerere, government leaders among others.

The leaders’ messages touched on themes of unity, responsibility, and faith, reminding Ugandans of the importance of preserving their traditions, values, and community spirit during the festive season and beyond.