Kampala, (UG): The Office of the National Chairman of NRM (National Resistance Movement) Monday held 2024 Thanksgiving and End of Year Prayers at Kyambogo in honour of the great things God has done for the office and nation at large throughout 2024.
The interfaith prayers presided over by Sheikh Abdu Obeid Kamulegeya attracted religious leaders from all walks of faith at Kyambogo with clergy from the Catholic Church, Anglican Community, Muslims, born-again Christians, and traditional believers, all reflecting the nation’s rich tapestry of faith.
In his address to the congregation, Sheikh Kamulegeya, the Chief Khadi (leader of all Imams in Uganda) reechoed a strong message against violence, particularly during election periods saying; “Dialogue is essential.”
He reminded attendees that Uganda remains one of the most peaceful countries in Africa under Museveni’s leadership and expressed gratitude to the president for appointing Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo as the head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) whose efforts have helped foster unity among religions.
Sheikh Kamulegeya, the father of Dr Kizza Besigye’s righthand man Hajj Obeid Lutale who are both on remand at Luzira praised Gen YK Museveni like never before and called on Allah to bless and enable Museveni to remain President of Uganda until he dies.
“As someone who has observed and keenly followed Uganda’s political evolution since the 1930s, Uganda has never been peaceful, democratic and economically prosperous as has been the case under Museveni’s 38 years. In Saudi Arabia for example, people are gagged and dictated upon even on matters to do with dress code and who gets authorized or licensed to drive on the roads, but we have a more democratic and tolerant President in Museveni,” Sheikh Kamulegeya asserted.
The once very radical Sheikh whose militant summons at Kibuli used to instigate resentment against the NRM, castigated fellow religious leaders for not guiding their flock to elect better leaders for the office of MP.
Kamulegeya did not have kind words for the youths whom he warned to stop provoking soldiers who he said have a right to fight back in self-defence once provoked during riots which he condemned fellow clerics for never speaking out against.
The Sheikh further spoke about the dire poverty among citizens and made it clear there is no way Museveni can be blamed for it. he said instead that, it is only in Uganda where the government uses programs like PDM to give money to people to amplify wealth creation.
In her remarks, Hajjat Namyalo revealed that just like previous years, 2024 has been a terrible one where she absorbed bloody attacks from ruthless and venomous individuals. “The fact is, I have seen a lot this year, I have faced terrific people but luckily my God has never been away from me, I have passed through a lot, but the good news is that I am still standing and unshakeable,” Namyalo said.
The ONC boss used the same opportunity to rally Ugandans to throw full support behind the only tested and proven leader of this generation HE Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is already warming up for the 2026 presidential battle.
“Meanwhile I am standing at this same venue to request you all bazzukulu countrywide that let’s do it again and again, 2026 we have already confirmed our only beloved leader HE Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Jajja w’abazzukulu is coming back to unlock our 2026 and beyond future,” she emphasized.
At the same function, Pastor Tom Mugerwa of Mutundwe Christian Fellowship who represented the Born-Again Pentecostal faith, emphasized the importance of empowering young people and steering them away from destructive behaviours such as drug abuse, excessive drinking, and prostitution. “The youth are the backbone of our nation,” Mugerwa noted, calling for a concerted effort to nurture their potential.
The State Minister for Health in charge of General Duties, Hon Anifa Kawooya Bangirana who also graced the prayers reflected on her long-standing commitment to the NRM, expressing confidence in the party’s future under Namyalo’s leadership.
Hon Kawooya, who is also the Woman MP for Sembabule hailed Namyalo for standing firm to ensure “Mzee” stays on the ballot despite a wave of transition in the whole of last year and push for the talks through cabinet.
The ONC End of Year Prayers were also attended by NRM CEC Member for Youths Hon. Gadaffi Nasur, former Minister Elioda Tumwesigye, alongside Members of Parliament such as Hon. SSentayi Muhamad Muyanja (Bukoto West), Hon Kirabo Agnes (Youth MP Central), Muwuma Milton Kalulu (Kigulu South), Hon. Florence Nebanda (Butaleja District WMP), among others.
Do you have a story or an opinion to share? Email us on: [email protected] Or join the Daily Express WhatsApp channel for all the latest news and trends or join the Telegram Channel for the latest updates.
