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.