Christians commended on development as Namugonde sub-parish marks 80 years

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (wearing a skull-cap) receiving cash for the construction of the proposed perimeter wall of Namugonde sub-parish during the church's 80th anniversary celebration on Sunday, June 28, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

“I congratulate you on the 80th anniversary of your dynamic sub-parish. But of course, this celebration also challenges you to have a renewed commitment to the faith. We cannot afford to play double standards. Let us refrain from all the bad habits: corruption, stealing, character assassination, promiscuity, and several others. Let us do only those things that please God. We must not be hypocritical Christians who just show off. If you are in charge of vocations, you should be seen to promote them in practical terms. If you fall sick, or get any other serious challenge, don’t go to witchdoctors. Retain your faith in God because he is the one who will never forsake you. Be generous to others, especially those who are in need. As Christians, we must be ready to carry our cross with patience and total trust in God,” Ssemogerere said.

Ssemogerere also used the occasion to denounce the rampant grabbing of Church land in his archdiocese. He said the land fraudsters were so active that various churches were now putting up perimeter walls to protect the little that has been left.

“The Missionaries of Africa secured land and built churches, schools and hospitals. But because of our contemporary culture of stealing and grabbing, we have sold most of it. Some people just come and occupy the land forcefully because they are powerful. Some people claim they take the land to do God’s ministry. Churches are now putting up perimeter walls because of our evil culture of stealing. This is very sad. A church should not be enclosed. It should be an open place where people come any time to pray and worship their God without any inconvenience. Because of our evil culture, we are also doing all sorts of things to protect our homesteads. You have to erect a perimeter wall, and then you put barbed wire and electricity!”

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (holding a crosier) shares a photo-moment with some of the consecrated religious and sub-parishioners of Namugonde Catholic sub-parish during the church's 80th anniversary celebration on Sunday, June 28, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

“Let us have a renewed heart that respects the property of others. It is even more unfortunate that we members of the Church are the ones who help the thieves. Someone identifies the land and encourages the land-grabber to occupy it! Settle, and we shall sort it out later. Let all of us do what we can to protect Church land.  The Canon Law gives every member of the faith the responsibility to protect Church property. Let us fulfil the responsibility so that God does not punish us for negligence. Those who steal our land do a disservice to the respective communities because it is on this land that we build schools, hospitals, and social development projects,” Ssemogerere said.

During the same function, the Christians of Namugonde donated money for constructing a perimeter wall of their church, much of whose land was reportedly stolen by land grabbers.

Among the donors was the spokesperson of the Uganda Electoral Commission, Julius Mucunguzi, and the former Chairman of Wakiso district, Dr Matia Lwanga Bwanika, who made pledges of sh500,000. Archbishop Ssemogerere donated 200 bags of cement.