Ugandan Christian leaders call for peace, unity and faith as believers mark Christmas

25 December 2025, 1:55 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Christians across the world on Wednesday gathered in various places of worship to celebrate Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

In Uganda, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Steven Kazimba Mugalu, encouraged believers to remain fearless and trust in God’s promises. He delivered his 2025 Christmas message at All Saints’ Cathedral, Nakasero, in Kampala.

Archbishop Kazimba reminded Christians that God remains faithful in all circumstances, including times of political transition. He said that the peace brought by Jesus Christ ends inner conflicts among believers and unites people beyond their differences.

“Despite our political parties and the football teams we support, we are all Ugandans and children of God. Let us embrace peace and love one another. God is able to intervene where we cannot. The world offers false promises, but Jesus offers true peace. In 2026, God is with Uganda and His promises remain,” Kazimba preached, quoting Numbers 23:19 which says that God does not lie.

He concluded by wishing believers a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Several people reportedly gave their lives to Christ during the service. Among those in attendance were former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi and his wife.

Meanwhile, in Greater Masaka, believers gathered at Our Lady of Sorrows Cathedral in Kitovu to celebrate Christmas. However, discussions among worshippers were dominated by the detention of Rev. Fr. Deus Ssekabira.

At St. Mary’s Cathedral, Lubaga, the Christmas Mass was led by the Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere. He urged Christians to reflect on God’s love, demonstrated by the gift of His only Son to redeem humanity from sin. Archbishop Ssemogerere called on believers to repent, allow Christ to guide their lives, and actively participate in leadership while serving as good examples in society.

The celebrations at Lubaga were attended by the Katikiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, National Unity Platform presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, Minister of State for Higher Education Hon. John Chrysostom Muyingo, among others.

Elsewhere, the Presiding Apostle of the Born Again Faith, Apostle Joseph Serwada, delivered his Christmas message at Victory Church in Ndeba, Kampala. He urged Ugandans to vote peacefully and advised young people to remain patient and hopeful.

“As we celebrate Christmas, let us believe that Uganda still needs all of us and that peace must prevail,” Serwada said. He also emphasized the need to improve the education curriculum, suggesting that a year of campus education be dedicated to practical skills training.