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.

Hope Restored: Kitende Parish Crowns a Fruitful Week of Mission

The week-long Door-to-Door Mission Outreach at Kitende Parish reached its joyful climax on Sunday, June 21, 2026, as Christians gathered at St. Stephen's Kitende Church of Uganda and St. Peter's Ssisa Church of Uganda for thanksgiving and worship.

The services were led by Rt. Rev. Hannington Mutebi, the retired Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala, who commended the Christians of Kitende Parish for their commitment to taking the Gospel beyond the church walls and into homes, businesses, and schools.

The mission outreach was guided by the theme from Jeremiah 3:22: “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” Throughout the week, teams of missioners moved from door to door, reaching out to individuals and families with the message of God's love and salvation.

In his sermon, Bishop Mutebi reminded the congregation that life itself is a gift from God and that human beings have no ultimate authority over it.

"Our lives begin with God," he said. "Everything we have comes from Him."

He expressed gratitude to the many families, business owners, and school administrators who willingly opened their gates and doors to receive the mission teams.

Drawing from Ezekiel 37, the well-known vision of the Valley of Dry Bones, the bishop emphasized that no situation is beyond God's power to restore.

"The valley of dry bones teaches us that there is no hopeless situation before God," he said. "When you are faced with challenges that seem impossible, speak life into them and trust God to breathe new life into your circumstances."

He compared the despair experienced by ancient Israel with the struggles faced by many people in Uganda today. Economic hardships, broken families, and declining hope have left many discouraged.

"Some people have placed their hope in possessions and worldly achievements," he observed. "Yet true hope is found only in Jesus Christ."

The bishop also addressed contemporary social challenges, including gender-based violence, calling upon families to seek healing and reconciliation. He urged those suffering in silence to seek help and speak out rather than endure abuse alone.

Reflecting on God's question to Ezekiel, "Son of man, can these bones live?", Bishop Mutebi challenged worshippers to consider the difficult situations in their own lives.

"When circumstances appear beyond repair, we must remember that God remains part of the equation," he said. "What is impossible with man is possible with God."

Speaking partly in Luganda, he encouraged believers not to surrender to despair.

"Bw'obeera mu mbeera gy'otategeera, Mukama asobola okukuzza engulu." (When you find yourself in a situation you cannot understand, God is able to lift you up.)

He further noted that Uganda's challenges require divine intervention.

"Embeera gye tutuuseeko mu Uganda tetukyalina kyakugikolera wabula tugikwase Katonda." (The situation we have reached in Uganda calls for us to entrust it to God.)

The bishop concluded by encouraging Christians to testify whenever God restores them.

"When God does wonders in your life, do not keep quiet. Share your testimony so that others may know the goodness of the Lord."

Throughout the mission week, many encounters revealed people burdened by hopelessness and uncertainty. Yet through prayer, fellowship, and the preaching of the Gospel, many were encouraged to place their trust in Jesus Christ, the true source of hope.

As the parish celebrated the conclusion of the outreach, there was also good news regarding the ongoing church construction project at St. Stephen's Kitende. Parish Priest Rev. Samuel Muwonge informed the congregation that the construction committee had engaged a new contractor after terminating the previous one due to slow progress.

The results have been encouraging. Within just one week, approximately 80 percent of the window frames had already been fitted. Rev. Muwonge reported that the main church entrance door is expected to be installed by the end of the coming week.

Under the parish's popular "Operation Kugoba Nfuufu" initiative, further improvements are underway. The altar area is expected to be completed with marble finishing before the end of the month, bringing the church building closer to completion.

As the curtain fell on the mission week, the atmosphere was one of gratitude and renewed faith. The outreach not only strengthened believers but also extended Christ's message of hope to countless homes, schools, and businesses across the parish.

The message that echoed throughout the week remained clear: no situation is too dry, too broken, or too hopeless for the restoring power of God.

The Day the Fast-Talking Priest Ran Out of Words

By Staff Writer

For those who know him, it is almost impossible to imagine Rev. Samuel Muwonge at a loss for words.

The energetic and fast-speaking Parish Priest of Kitende Parish is known for his quick wit, passionate preaching, and ability to keep a conversation flowing. Yet on the evening of Friday, June 19, 2026, the man who always seemed to have something to say found himself speechless.

The occasion was a surprise birthday celebration meticulously planned by his wife, Olivia Muwonge—affectionately known as "Lady O"—who orchestrated one of the most memorable evenings in the priest's life.

Earlier that day, Rev. Muwonge had been fully immersed in the ongoing Kitende Parish Door-to-Door Mission Outreach. Like the rest of the missioners, he had spent hours reaching out to communities with the Gospel, returning home at about 5:00 p.m. to rest briefly and charge his phone.

What he did not know was that his wife was quietly coordinating a surprise gathering behind the scenes.

Determined to keep the secret intact, Lady O casually inquired about his evening schedule. She wanted to know exactly when he would leave home and, more importantly, when he would return. To Rev. Muwonge, the questions seemed ordinary. To Lady O, every answer was crucial to the success of her mission.

She learned that he planned to attend fellowship at Namirembe Cathedral before heading to a meeting later in the evening. But there was one challenge: the birthday boy seemed in no hurry to leave.

Each passing minute made the organizers increasingly anxious.

"I am still waiting for my phone battery to charge," he told her, unaware that a team of family and friends stood ready to transform the vicarage into a celebration venue the moment he drove away.

Relief finally came when he received a phone call from someone requesting a meeting in Namirembe at 6:30 p.m. Remembering that he also needed to deliver food supplies to workers at his farm, Rev. Muwonge decided it was time to leave.

Lady O seized the moment.

"When are you coming back?" she asked, trying to conceal her excitement.

"After 8:00 p.m.," he replied.

The answer triggered a flurry of activity.

As soon as his vehicle disappeared down the road, the vicarage became a hive of coordinated action. Decorations were quickly put in place. Tables were elegantly covered in golden linen. Chairs were dressed in black. Golden flower arrangements adorned the tables, while birthday candles added warmth and charm to the setting.

At the centre of the pastoral gardens stood a special round table bearing the evening's masterpiece—a birthday cake decorated in the colours of Rev. Muwonge's beloved football club, Arsenal.

Written carefully on the cake were words that captured the many roles he plays in the lives of those around him:

"A Companion, A Provider, A Blessing, An Awesome Father, and Above All, A Great Husband."

By 6:45 p.m., the transformation was complete.

Meanwhile, Omulangira Ndawula was busy making him busy as he had told him that he had wanted to meet him at  Church but all this was one way of not letting him spoil the suprise.

Family members and friends quietly streamed into the compound, each carrying the excitement of sharing in a secret that the guest of honour knew nothing about.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. At exactly 8:28 p.m., Rev. Muwonge's vehicle pulled into the compound. He hooted as usual and waited for the gate to be opened.

As he drove in, thunderous applause erupted.

"Surprise!"

The voices of family and friends echoed through the night air.

For nearly five minutes, Rev. Muwonge remained seated in his vehicle, visibly stunned. He looked from side to side, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. His expression shifted between disbelief, joy and amazement.

The priest had finally met a surprise powerful enough to silence him.

Slowly, he drove to the parking area where Lady O rushed forward and embraced him with what many later described as "the mother of all hugs."

Meanwhile, guests danced and sang along to Pallaso's popular Happy Birthday tune as the birthday celebrant attempted to process what had just happened.

The surprises kept coming. Among the guests was his mother, whom he was convinced had travelled to Namusera for a Friday overnight prayer gathering. Then he spotted his father-in-law, Rev. Canon Henry Segawa, the Namirembe Diocesan Secretary.

Next were Lay Canon John Fred Kazibwe and his wife Dr. Ann—people he had actually planned to meet later that evening.

He continued spotting familiar faces: Dr. Sebulime and his wife, Mr. Jombwe and his wife, Owek. Ssekabembe and his wife, Eng. Kalibbala, and many other close friends.

At that moment, Rev. Muwonge seemed to realize that nearly everyone he trusted had conspired against him for a good cause.

For perhaps the first time in his life, the preacher had been completely outsmarted.

The evening proceeded with a sumptuous dinner, laughter, and heartfelt conversations.

Speaking during the celebration, Lady O thanked the guests for responding to her invitation on short notice.

She explained that she wanted to honour her husband in a special way after watching him dedicate an entire week to the demanding work of the parish mission outreach.

"He deserved a surprise," she said. "He has spent the whole week serving others."

When Rev. Muwonge finally took the microphone, his remarks drew laughter from the gathering.

"For the first time, I have become speechless," he admitted.

Still trying to understand how the secret had been kept so effectively, he joked about the people who had successfully hidden the plan from him.

"Usually my father-in-law, Canon Segawa, tells me when he is coming. But today, mumpangudde! Even Maama—I thought she was in Namusera for an overnight," he said, prompting laughter from the audience.

He thanked everyone for sacrificing their time, resources, and energy to celebrate with him.

Turning to his wife, he expressed deep gratitude.

"Can you imagine? In the morning she only told me a simple 'Happy Birthday,' not knowing she was preparing something this great," he said.

Then, with a smile that suggested the story was not yet over, he added: "I will revenge on her birthday."

The celebration reached its climax with the cutting of the Arsenal-themed cake, presentation of gifts, and more joyful moments shared among family and friends.

Long after the candles were blown out and the music faded, one memory remained clear in the minds of those present: the sight of a man known for speaking with confidence and conviction standing silently, overwhelmed by love.

On a day dedicated to celebrating his life, Rev. Samuel Muwonge discovered that some surprises are so beautiful that words simply are not enough.