A Life That Defied Every Prediction: Giving Thanks for 71 Years of God's Faithfulness

Maama Mary is a living testimony of God's never ceasing steadfast love and His never ending new mercies every morning.

The thanksgiving celebration at St. Stephen's Kitende Church of Uganda marked more than just 71 years of life—it was a powerful testimony of God's unfailing faithfulness.

According to her daughter, Maama Mary was born into a large family in Bukerere. Tragically, one after another, her siblings died before reaching the age of 12. As the years passed, many people in the village believed that she too would meet the same fate. Few expected her to live beyond childhood.

Yet God had a different plan.

Against all expectations, she grew into adulthood and eventually became the only surviving child from her family. Even after she got married and welcomed her first child, the voices of doubt continued. Some villagers predicted that neither she nor her baby would survive.

But once again, God proved Himself faithful.

Today, at the age of 71, Maama stands as a living testimony of God's sustaining grace. Surrounded by her children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends, the family gathered not merely to celebrate a birthday, but to return thanks to God for a life that has overcome every prediction of despair.

Her journey reminds us that God's plans are greater than human expectations. What people declared impossible, God turned into a remarkable testimony of hope, preservation, and enduring faithfulness.

MERCY ON THE HILL: Hundreds Gather at St. Stephen's Kitende to Celebrate God's Faithfulness and Look Ahead with Hope

By Our Staff Writer

The first rays of the morning sun had barely broken over Kitende Hill when Christians began streaming towards St. Stephen's Church of Uganda. Dressed in colourful cultural attire, families, friends and worshippers climbed the hill with hearts full of gratitude, united by one purpose—to thank God for His faithfulness during the first half of 2026.

Perched high above the surrounding communities of Kajjansi, Kigo, Seguku, Nakigalala, Kitovu and Bwebajja, the church became a beacon of praise as voices rose in worship, thanksgiving and joyful song.

It was more than another Sunday service. For many, simply being present was a testimony that God had carried them through six months filled with both blessings and challenges.

There were three services the first one was in Luganda, the second was in English and the third one was in Luganda. Being a cultural Sunday,  the reading was done in various languages making people feel at home after listening to their mother tongue at Kitende.

Different church choirs filled the sanctuary with uplifting hymns of thanksgiving, drawing the congregation into heartfelt worship. As familiar choruses echoed through the church, many raised their hands in praise, celebrating God's unfailing love and endless compassion.

"We Are Alive Because of God's Mercy"

Preaching during the Thanksgiving Service, the guest preacher, Rev. Nathan Mulondo, Parish Priest of Kiweesa Parish in Mityana Diocese, delivered a sermon centred on Jeremiah 3:23, reminding Christians that every new day is evidence of God's mercy.

"For us to be alive today is not because of our own strength or goodness. It is because of God's mercy."

— Rev. Nathan Mulondo

Rev. Mulondo challenged the congregation to reflect on the countless ways God continues to show favour despite human weakness.

He observed that people often fall short of God's expectations, yet His mercy continues to restore, sustain and bless them.

Using the well-loved Luganda hymn 302 – Kisaakyo Tekitegeerekeka ("Beyond All Knowledge, Lord, Your Love Is Divine"), he carefully unpacked each stanza, illustrating how God's love reaches beyond human understanding.

The message struck a personal chord with many worshippers, who quietly reflected on the journeys God had brought them through during the first six months of the year.

Mercy in Everyday Life

Rev. Mulondo encouraged Christians not to overlook God's hand in their daily lives.

He reminded business owners, professionals and families that their continued survival, provision and success are not simply the result of hard work but are clear evidence of God's sustaining mercy.

"Even the businesses that continue to stand today do so because of God's mercy, which we can never fully comprehend."

— Rev. Nathan Mulondo

He concluded by praying that the remaining months of 2026 would be marked by greater testimonies, stronger faith and God's continued favour upon His people.

Building God's House Together

The thanksgiving celebration also became an opportunity to look to the future.

Addressing the congregation, the Parish Priest of St. Stephen's Kitende Church of Uganda, Rev. Samuel Muwonge, announced the launch of a fundraising campaign to install marble flooring in the church under construction.

Beginning Sunday, 19th July 2026, Christians will have the opportunity to sponsor marble tiles at UGX 100,000 per square metre.

In an encouraging announcement, Rev. Muwonge revealed that Mengo Senior School had pledged to sponsor the marble flooring for the church altar.

"As we thank God for what He has done, let us also participate in building His house for generations to come."

— Rev. Samuel Muwonge

He invited every Christian, family and well-wisher to prayerfully contribute towards completing the sanctuary.

A Service Filled with Hope

The service was attended by Rev. Christopher Kato Lubwama and Mubuulizi Christopher Nsereko of St. Stephen's Kitende Church of Uganda.

As the congregation dispersed after worship, they left with memories of beautiful music and inspiring preaching. They departed with renewed hope, reminded that God's mercies are indeed new every morning and that His faithfulness continues from generation to generation.

When Fathers Took Their Place: A Sunday of Love, Laughter and a Call to Lead

 By Staff Writer 

The smiles said it all. 

As couples walked hand in hand into St. Stephen's Kitende Church of Uganda, it was difficult to tell whether they were celebrating a church service or reliving the joy of their wedding day. Dressed in immaculate white Fathers' Union tunics, dark jackets and royal blue sashes, the men proudly escorted their wives, who looked elegant in snow-white gomesi adorned with matching blue sashes. Others wore colourful kitenge fabrics bearing the emblems of their respective Married Fellowship groups.

The atmosphere was filled with warmth and affection. Throughout the service, husbands leaned towards their wives, whispering a few words before both burst into gentle laughter. Whatever they shared remained their little secret, but it was a reminder that strong marriages are built on friendship, love and shared moments.

The procession of Fathers' and Mothers' Union members, walking hand in hand into the sanctuary, transported many back to the day they stood before God and exchanged their marriage vows.

The day's theme, "Buli mbeera yonna ezitowa mu kkanisa buvunanyizibwa bw'abasajja okugiggyamu" (Every difficult situation facing the Church is the responsibility of men to overcome), challenged fathers to rediscover their God-given role as spiritual leaders, providers and protectors.

Delivering the sermon, lay evangelist Christopher Lukabwe from Kayunga Parish near Wakiso presented the Apostle Peter as the perfect model for Christian fathers. He described Peter as a man who never ran away from difficult situations and urged men to emulate his courage.

"When the Church of Uganda chose Peter as the patron saint of the Fathers' Union, it was intentional," Lukabwe said. "Peter remained close to Jesus even in difficult moments. Men today should also stand firm whenever the Church faces challenges."

He reminded the congregation how Peter healed the lame beggar at the temple gate, not by giving him money, but by speaking healing in the name of Jesus Christ. Likewise, he said, today's fathers must rise above merely identifying problems and instead become instruments of God's solutions.

Lukabwe encouraged men to become active evangelists, saying the newly constructed church building would only be filled if fathers took responsibility for winning souls to Christ. In a light-hearted but passionate appeal, he also encouraged families to embrace children as a blessing, saying thriving Christian homes help build a thriving Church.

Drawing from the miraculous catch of fish, he noted that while others reasoned according to human logic, Peter obeyed Christ's instructions. That simple act of faith, he said, should inspire fathers to trust God even when circumstances seem impossible.

Earlier in the service, Rev. Christopher Kato Lubwama baptised a child and used the occasion to remind the congregation that the Church continues to grow through faithful families.

"A river that stops flowing eventually dries up," he said. "I thank God that more people continue to be added to His Church."

Rev. Lubwama challenged men to work diligently, build stable homes and reject idleness. He warned that poverty often begins with an unwillingness to work and observed that gambling and endless idle conversations have robbed many men of their potential.

He also urged parents to raise hardworking and responsible children, wondering why some young people are unable to perform simple household chores despite growing up in comfortable homes.

"The role of a father is not only to provide," he said. "It is also to nurture, guide and prepare children for life."

As the service drew to a close, Parish Priest Rev. Samuel Muwonge brought smiles across the congregation when he entered carrying two footballs. One was presented to the Fathers' Union and the other to the Mothers' Union as he announced an evening football match between the clergy and lay readers against members of the Fathers' Union.

The announcement was greeted with excitement and laughter, reflecting his belief that fellowship extends beyond the church walls.

"Sports promote unity, health and fellowship among believers," Rev. Muwonge said.

He also appealed to fathers to lead by example by bringing their children to church rather than allowing them to drift to other places of worship.

The service concluded with one of its most touching moments. Husbands and wives turned to face one another and prayed together, asking God to strengthen their marriages, deepen their love and help them remain faithful to the vows they had made years before.

It was more than a Fathers' Union celebration. It was a reminder that when fathers embrace their calling as spiritual leaders, loving husbands and responsible parents, families flourish—and so does the Church.

Tears, Reflection and a Call to Humility as Worshippers Gather for National Repentance

The midday silence at St. Stephen's Kitende Church of Uganda was broken by songs of praise as believers gathered for the weekly Lunch Hour Fellowship on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The service coincided with Uganda's Anglican Church marking 149 years since the arrival of Christianity, turning what would have been an ordinary lunch-hour gathering into a deeply reflective moment.

What began with joyful worship soon transformed into an emotional service of repentance, soul-searching and prayer for the nation.

Standing before a quiet congregation, Rev. Samuel Muwonge announced that the day's gathering would be unlike the usual Bible teaching sessions. Instead, he invited worshippers to embark on a journey of personal and national repentance. He directed the congregation to study several passages of Scripture—including Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Proverbs, Acts and 2 Peter—after the service, saying they carried timeless lessons about humility, obedience and God's judgment.

At the heart of the service was a simple but powerful prayer that echoed through the church.

"Dear Lord God, save my family, save my village, save my country."

The words were repeated with conviction as worshippers bowed their heads, many praying quietly for their homes and for Uganda.

Rev. Muwonge explained that he had dedicated the week to teaching about the destructive consequences of pride. Drawing lessons from biblical history, he reminded the congregation that no nation, institution or individual is too powerful to fall.

"Many nations have fallen because of pride," he said. "Many people rise through God's grace, but when they forget Him and begin to exalt themselves, a great fall follows."

Throughout his sermon, he challenged political leaders, church leaders and ordinary citizens alike to recognise that positions of influence are gifts from God rather than personal achievements. He warned against taking divine grace for granted, saying history repeatedly shows that pride often comes before destruction.

Using biblical accounts such as Noah's generation, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the life of Lot, Rev. Muwonge painted a picture of societies that ignored God's warnings until judgment came. Yet amid the warnings, he also offered hope, reminding believers that God always preserves those who remain faithful.

Turning his attention to modern Uganda, the preacher spoke passionately about what he described as growing moral decay. He lamented corruption, bribery, tribalism and nepotism, saying these practices continue to rob deserving people of opportunities while weakening the nation's institutions.

He also expressed concern over unethical behaviour in workplaces, homes and even within sections of the Church, urging Christians to reject compromise and pursue integrity.

"The solution begins with repentance," he told the congregation. "When God's people humble themselves and seek Him, He can heal the land."

Rev. Muwonge further cautioned Christians to remain grounded in Scripture, warning against religious leaders who, in his view, have abandoned biblical teaching in favour of motivational messages that lack spiritual depth.

As he continued preaching, the atmosphere inside the church grew increasingly emotional. His voice softened as he recalled incidents of cruelty and injustice in Uganda, including the public humiliation of vulnerable individuals.

 Overcome with emotion, tears filled his eyes as he appealed to God for mercy upon the nation.

The congregation listened in silence. Some bowed their heads in prayer while others quietly wiped away tears.

Quoting Proverbs 29:23—"Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honour"—

Rev. Muwonge urged families to cultivate humility in their daily relationships. He encouraged wives to respect their husbands regardless of financial circumstances, advised children to honour their parents, and reminded church ministers, choir members and public servants that pride has destroyed many promising lives and institutions.

At  the end of the service, Rev. Muwonge led worshippers in a public confession of Uganda's sins, asking God to forgive the nation, restore righteousness and raise a generation marked by humility rather than self-exaltation.

 

Pride Turns Angels into Devils: Reverend Muwonge Challenges Students and Leaders to Choose Humility

Monday morning of June 29, 2026,  a solemn yet joyful atmosphere filled Kitende Secondary School as students gathered for a special service that marked two important milestones in their spiritual and leadership journeys. As several students received the sacrament of baptism and newly elected prefects were commissioned into office, Rev. Samuel Muwonge,  the Parish Priest of Kitende  assisted by Rev. Kato, delivered a heartfelt message that challenged the entire school community to guard against the destructive power of pride.

Drawing from biblical teaching, he described pride as "the elevation of self above God," warning that it is one of the greatest dangers facing individuals and leaders alike.

"You may have power, influence or authority today, but God has the final say," he said. "Whatever position you hold is by God's grace. Never elevate yourself above God."

Addressing the newly baptised students, he encouraged them to remain rooted in Christ and to depend on God's grace as they begin their new life of faith.

Reflecting on national events,  Reverend Muwonge cautioned against glorifying human leaders. He recalled previously warning against comparing political leaders to God, saying that no earthly authority should ever take the place that belongs to God alone.

Turning to the school community, he reminded teachers and administrators that Kitende Secondary School is a Church-founded institution where prayer and Christian values should be treasured, not treated as an inconvenience.

"This is a Church-founded school," he said. "Never think that time spent in prayer is wasted."

He also challenged students who may consider themselves superior to others, urging them to reject arrogance and embrace humility.

During the same service, the Reverend dedicated the newly elected prefects, reminding them that leadership is not about status or recognition but about serving others faithfully.

"God does not delight in self-centred leaders," he said. "Do not seek recognition. Simply do what you have been called to do."

He outlined practical ways of overcoming pride, urging the congregation to acknowledge pride as sin, confess it before God, practise humility, value others above themselves, and cultivate a daily attitude of gratitude.

Speaking directly to teachers, he appealed for kindness and respect towards learners.

"Do not abuse these children," he advised. "The students you teach today may become tomorrow's leaders and may one day be the very people God uses to help you."

The Reverend concluded by reminding everyone that Scripture teaches that "pride goes before destruction," while God gives grace to the humble.

In his vote of thanks, Deputy Head Teacher Mr. Okiring expressed appreciation to the Reverend for baptising the students and commissioning the prefects. He thanked him for the timely reminder that true leadership is built on humility, service, and putting others before oneself.

The service ended with renewed encouragement for both students and staff to pursue lives marked by faith, humility and gratitude, recognising that lasting greatness is found not in pride, but in serving God and others.

St. Stephen's Church choir Kitende lifts the 2026 Parish Music Trophy

In a spirited vocal fight among the seven choirs of Kitende Parish, a winner emerged after each of the participating choir exhibiting choral prowess. 

St. Stephen's Choir with over 50 young boys and girls emerged the winner.

The Parish Music competition that was held at St. Barnabas Namulanda attracted sub Parish choirs namely, St. Barnabas Namulanda,  All Saints Jjanyi, St. Peter's Nakigalala-Kimese, St. Peter's Ssisa, St. Luke Zziru Chapel,  St. James Bwebajja and St. Stephen's Kitende. 

Speaking at both the opening and closure of the event, Rev. Samuel Muwonge the Parish Priest of Kitende said that the purpose of the event was not to see the winner but to promote choral music in the parish. He said that he wanted to see the standard of the choirs uplifted in each of the sub parishes under Kitende.

He particularly thanked St. Luke Zziru chapel which is still a young congregation for participating without fear or favour.

St. Barnabas Namulanda was the  second best choir  and the third was St. Peter's Ssisa.

What is most promising is that the future of choral music in Kitende is promising since most of the choirs have very young choir members. 

Below is the pictorial of the choirs that participated.

The joint choir

Make your way to St. Barnabas Namulanda for the ongoing Music competition.

This morning Staurday 27th June 2026, all roads are leading to St. Barnabas Namulanda Church of Uganda where the Kitende Parish Choir competitions is taking place.

It is the day we shall get to know who are the best in Kitende Parish. It is a day not only to compete, but to harmonise the fellowship among the choristers in the Parish.

By the end of the competition, a winner will have been declared in the following categories,  set piece, original composition, site singing, negro spiritual among others. To inclucate the culture of love for choral music from a tender age, the youngest chorister will be awarded.

The parish Priest Rev. Samuel Muwonge has thanked the Lay Readers of the participating churches namely;

1. St Stephen Kitende

2.St luke Ziru Church of Uganda

3.St. Barnabas Namulanda

4. St. James Bwebaja

5. St. Peters Ssisa

6. St. Peters Nakigalala- Kimese

7. All Saints Jjanyi Church of Uganda

"Am proud of you" he said.