Prime
St Ssebugwawo celebrates 53 years
Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala hands over a statue of Jesus to Buganda Kingdom Premier Peter Mayiga. PHOTO BY JOSEPH KATO
What you need to know:
DELIGHT. The church was named after one of the Uganda Martyrs in 1960. Early this month, they celebrated half a decade as Joseph Kato writes.
With drum beats rolling and songs of praise filling the air, children in coloured clothes and raffia skirts danced themselves to sweat. St Dennis Church in Konge, Makindye, was celebrating 53 years since its inception in 1963. The church was named after Dennis Ssebugwawo one of the Uganda martyrs killed on the orders of former Buganda king Mwanga.
Lessons
His eminence Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, who was the main celebrant, softly preached about how Christians need to emulate the Uganda Martyrs’ faith and devotion to God.
“We should know them deeply. We should love, respect and learn from them. We should thank God who gave us the martyrs,” Cardinal Wamala said.
Citing an example of ants that build anthills yet they cannot even carry a spoon of soil, the cleric urged Christians to work as teams in family and business management.
“Working together not only strengthens our faith but it also keeps us united in Christ,” he explained.
He went on to applaud Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, the archbishop of Kampala, for developing martyrs sites such as Munyonyo and Namugongo.
Do not wait on others
Charles Peter Mayiga, Buganda Kingdom premier, who was the chief guest, challenged Ugandans to erase the mentality of foreigners doing everything for them saying everyone must participate in the development of the nation.
“You should stop thinking that foreigners should do everything for you. Be involved in management of your society. Stop that thinking of Whites being the best managers,” Mayiga said.
There also was fund-raising for the building of the third floor of the Jubilee house that will house the nursery school, church offices, conference hall and priests’ home. Over Shs20m was collected in cash and pledges.
Fr Anthony Kakaire, the parish priest of St Denis Ssebugwawo church, applauded Christians for their generous contributions to church development activities. He challenged them to live a prayerful life if they are to be at peace with heavenly father.
“Do not feel tired of serving God because He gives as we ask and does not abandon His children.”
Sunday School children danced to the Luganda rhythms and the congregation offered bunches of matooke, eggs, and chicken.
Church history
St Dennis Ssebugwawo Church was started in 1963 and was named after Dennis Ssebugwawo one of the three martyrs killed at Munyonyo on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga between 1985 and 1986. Ssebugwawo’s father was a muganda from Kayozi clan whereas his mother was a Musoga. Cardinal Wamala said Ssebugwawo’s death came after he preached to Kiwafu, a son to one of Kabaka Mwanga’s confidants.
The king summoned him to explain whether he truly preached Christianity to Kiwafu something Ssebugwawo did not deny. Furiously, therefore, the king ordered his execution and was killed at Dubula in Munyonyo.
A believer says...
Mulangira Juuko, a local and devout church member, describes the 53rd anniversary as a historic mark and sign that God is with those who are committed to him. “I was born when St Dennis was a tiny building. One who saw it in the ‘90s cannot believe that we have grown this big. It has not been due to our power, but because God is always with us. He motivates us when we seem tired. I’m proud to be part of such a God-loving community,” he says.
