Thousands mark 25 years of Mt Sion Prayer Centre Bukalango

20 April 2026, 8:04 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Thousands of believers and well-wishers yesterday gathered at Mt Sion Prayer Centre, Bukalango in Wakiso District, to celebrate 25 years since its establishment.

The President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, was represented by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who congratulated worshippers at the centre on reaching the silver jubilee milestone. She also contributed UGX 50 million towards the construction of church infrastructure.

While leading Mass, the Catholic Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, condemned wrongdoing among Christians.

“Even the man accused of killing four babies in Ggaba has a Christian name; he is called Christopher. Uganda needs more examples like the late Expedito Magembe, who established Bukalango more than 20 years ago, turning it into a place of prayer, healing and spiritual renewal,” he was quoted as saying.

The Vice President described the centre as a “beacon of faith” in Uganda and the wider region.

“What started as a humble movement has, by the grace of God, grown into a powerful centre of worship, transformation and testimony. The centre, which began in the early 1990s in Kiziba Parish, now attracts thousands of worshippers,” she said, adding that the establishment of the Bukalango Shrine in 2001 marked a turning point and commending its role.

The Prime Minister, Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja, who attended alongside other leaders, including the Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon John Chrysostom Muyingo, emphasised the strong relationship between the Church and government.

“This relationship has significantly contributed to the growth of this shrine. Government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga are helping expand household participation in the money economy,” she said.

A team from St Joseph’s Hospital, Wakiso, provided first aid services during the event.