Christmas celebrations mark fulfilment of Biblical prophecy as Hoima City Stadium is officially opened

25 December 2025, 12:00 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Christmas season continues to remind Christians around the world of the fulfilment of biblical prophecy concerning the birth of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet Isaiah foretold that the Lord Himself would give a sign through a virgin who would conceive and give birth to a son called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” This prophecy was later fulfilled, as recorded in the New Testament scriptures.

In Luke 2:10–11, the angel announced to the shepherds the good news of great joy, declaring that a Saviour, the Messiah and Lord, had been born. Matthew 1:21 further explains that the child was to be named Jesus because He would save His people from their sins, while Isaiah 9:6 describes Him as the Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.

Against this background, the Church in the 4th century officially recognised 25 December as the day to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the date coincided with earlier pagan winter solstice festivals, early Christians used the season to proclaim Christ as the true light in a time associated with darkness. To date, the message of Christmas remains relevant in a world burdened by conflict, division, despair and corruption.

Across the globe, people marked the day by celebrating with families, sharing the love of Christ and delivering messages of hope and responsibility. In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni joined other leaders in wishing citizens a Merry Christmas. In his message, the President highlighted the country’s ongoing development, inviting skeptics to visit different parts of Uganda to witness the results of government programmes. He cited the progress made in manufacturing electric buses by Kiira EV, noting that the buses have already travelled to South Africa and secured an initial order of 450 units.

President Museveni also expressed pride in national infrastructure projects, including the commissioning of Hoima City Stadium, one of the facilities being prepared as Uganda readies itself to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania. He congratulated the Turkish company Summa for the work done on the stadium and pledged continued collaboration, before wishing Ugandans a Merry Christmas on behalf of himself and the First Lady.

In her Christmas message, the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, thanked God for what she described as a special Christmas gift to Uganda in the form of Hoima City Stadium. She pledged that the government would ensure proper maintenance of the facility so that it generates revenue for the country. She also thanked President Museveni for his guidance, which made it possible for the project to be implemented, and extended Christmas greetings to the nation.

At the community level, the Chairman of Bodaboda riders in Kampala Central Division, Kanyike Kivir, used the Christmas occasion to urge riders to act responsibly on the roads. He cautioned them against riding on walkways meant for pedestrians, warning that such actions endanger their customers and livelihoods. He also advised riders to remain vigilant, avoid drinking alcohol while riding and take time to celebrate safely with their families.

Other leaders who shared Christmas messages included Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, and the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Mutebi II. The Kabaka particularly urged parents and guardians to keep children safe, especially during the election season, and called on security agencies to strengthen protection of people and their property.

As Christmas is marked, the season continues to serve as a reminder of faith, peace and shared responsibility, reflecting the enduring message of hope brought by the birth of Jesus Christ.