Orthodox Christians mark Palm Sunday, rallied for Kabaka birthday prayers

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Dr Fr Nicholas Bayego has asked Christians to always express unconditional love towards each other as Jesus Christ loved humankind.

He made the remarks during Holy Mass on Sunday (April 5) at St Nicholas Cathedral Namungoona in Kampala, as hundreds of Orthodox Christians gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday.

Dr Bayego, who was assisted by Fr Stellios Kasule, said that Jesus made a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, with people rejoicing and chanting his name, but after a few days they denounced and handed him over to be crucified.

"As Christians, we should avoid such a life where we jubilate, clap, sing praises to our fellow people, leaders, but after they have moved away from the congregation, we turn against them," says Dr Bayego.

"We should be with unconditional love, live a truthful life because Jesus Christ our Lord is the same today and tomorrow. We should take his example if we're to develop bodily and spiritually," he added.

Celebrating Palm Sunday today, Sunday, as other Christian denominations are marking Easter Sunday, Dr Bayego said this emanates from the Orthodox Church, being the mother church, is the custodian of Christian values and history.

"Today, as we celebrate Palm Sunday, our brothers and sisters in other denominations celebrate Easter. This is not a surprise, as the mother church, we celebrate these feasts like Palm Sunday, as it was celebrated during the early church. We're the old guard, keeping all the history and feasts as they were performed and celebrated until now," says Dr Bayego.

Before going to Jerusalem, Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead after visiting his home in Bethany. This news spread widely, shaping the journey to Jerusalem, where he was received by large crowds.

Dr Bayego asked Christians to always sacrifice themselves for the growth of their spiritual lives and the Church at large, as Jesus sacrificed himself to save mankind.

Kabaka preparations

Palm Sunday comes at a time when the Orthodox Church is gearing up to host Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II’s 71st birthday prayers on April 13, 2026.

Dr Fr Bayego called on Christians to strengthen preparations for the day by getting involved in all the earlier activities being organised.

From April 11 to 13, 2026, Holy Cross Orthodox Hospital, Namungoona, has organised a health camp where locals will be given free healthcare.

Elias Nsubuga, the head of laity at St Nicholas Namungoona, called on believers to prepare for the Kabaka Birthday Run scheduled for April 12, 2026.

Kabaka Mutebi II was born on April 13, 1995, at Mulago Hospital in Kampala to Ssekabaka Muteesa II and Queen Mother Sarah Nalule Kisosonkole of the Enkola clan.

This year, the Kabaka chose to have his birthday prayers hosted by the Orthodox Church in Uganda. They will be led by the Archbishop of the Uganda Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, assisted by other religious leaders.

Orthodox Easter will be celebrated on April 12, 2026, marking the end of Great Lent.