Christmas celebrations mark biblical prophecy fulfilment with Hoima City Stadium opening

25 December 2025, 12:00 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

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

In Luke 2:10–11, an 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 backdrop, the Church in the fourth 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 amid darkness. To this day, 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 family, 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 sceptics to visit various parts of Uganda to witness the results of government programmes. He cited progress in manufacturing electric buses by Kiira EV, noting that the buses have already reached 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 its work 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: Hoima City Stadium. She pledged that the government would ensure the facility is properly maintained so that it generates revenue for the country. She also expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his guidance, which made the project possible, 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 pedestrian walkways, warning that such actions endanger both their customers and livelihoods. He also advised riders to remain vigilant, avoid consuming alcohol while riding, and 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 ensure the safety of children, especially during the election period, and called on security agencies to enhance the protection of people and their property.

As Christmas is celebrated, 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.