Kagadi, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday joined thousands of devotees in Kagadi District to mark the 96th birthday of Omukama Ruhanga Owobusobozi Bisaka, the revered founder and spiritual leader of the Faith of Unity (Obumu Ruhanga Owobusobozi).
The colourful ceremony, held at Kapyemi grounds, served both as a spiritual gathering and a grand thanksgiving for Bisaka’s life and teachings. President Museveni, who graced the event as Chief Guest, commended the Faith of Unity for promoting discipline, hard work, and peace among its followers.
“These people have resisted disunity. I have come here to understand what you do, learn your beliefs, and see the good in it. I pray for blessings upon you and promise to support you,” said the President.
Mr Museveni, 80, also emphasized the need to preserve African cultural identity and applauded the Faith for building a self-reliant and harmonious community rooted in unity.
During the function, President Museveni commissioned a newly completed school, Omukama Ruhanga Owobusobozi Bisaka Itambiro Secondary School, located at the faith’s headquarters in Kapyemi. The school, which now enrolls over 4,000 students, stands as a symbol of the movement’s commitment to education and spiritual development.
In a symbolic act of gratitude, Owobusobozi presented the President with a heifer, hailing Museveni’s leadership and efforts to guarantee freedom of worship in Uganda. “Without peace, our mission could not have grown. We thank you for creating an environment where Ugandans can pray freely,” Bisaka said.
Born in 1929, Owobusobozi Bisaka is hailed by his followers as “Ruhanga” (God in human form). He founded the Faith of Unity on February 22, 1980, a date believers mark as the genesis of divine healing when a woman named Mutoro reportedly received instant healing at his touch.
The Faith has since expanded to 35 dioceses (Amakwenda) across Uganda, each with dedicated healing centres. Followers gather for healing and prayer every 2nd, 12th, and 22nd of the month in line with the faith’s spiritual calendar.
Wednesday’s ceremony began with electrifying cultural performances from the Bunyoro region, paying homage to Bisaka’s teachings and transformative impact on the community.
Kagadi District LC5 Chairman, Ndibwami B. Yosia, applauded the Faith for delivering moral and social change. “Before Owobusobozi Bisaka brought the message of unity, Kagadi was plagued with witchcraft and cannibalism. But his teachings encouraged people to abandon evil and work hard, and today, we witness a more peaceful and progressive society,” he said.
Distinct from mainstream Christianity, the Faith of Unity rejects the Bible as divisive and instead uses The Book of Faith and Unity, authored by Bisaka himself. The book emphasizes deeds such as hard work, giving to the poor, cleanliness, and devotion to God as paths to eternal life.
New followers are required to confess their sins, which Bisaka cleanses. The faithful wear white kanzus as symbols of holiness, and water blessed by Owobusobozi is believed to bring healing when consumed.
To many believers, Owobusobozi Bisaka is not just a spiritual leader, but a living miracle worker — a divine presence guiding Uganda’s spiritual destiny.
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