His Eminence Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, Archbishop of the Orthodox Church, has commended the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, for choosing to celebrate his 71st birthday at Namungoona Cathedral, describing the gesture as a sign of deep respect for the Church and a reflection of strong interfaith relations.
Leading a special thanksgiving service held in honor of the Kabaka, Archbishop Muzeeyi highlighted the Buganda Kingdom’s significant contributions to the Orthodox Church, particularly the donation of land at Namungoona Hill in Kampala, where the cathedral and its associated projects and services are located.
He noted that this support has enabled the Orthodox faith to grow and flourish in Uganda.
The Archbishop also praised Kabaka Mutebi’s continued efforts to promote health, social wellbeing, and talent development among his subjects, saying these initiatives have positively transformed both the Kingdom and Ugandan society at large.
At the same time, Archbishop Muzeeyi raised concern over several social challenges affecting Ugandans, including rising cases of insecurity, such as the reported murder of a toddler at a daycare center in Ggaba, incidents of excessive use of force by security agencies, as well as persistent land and family disputes.
He urged authorities to address these issues, warning that they undermine freedom, stability, and social development.
He further observed that the Orthodox community still feels marginalized in some areas of national life, despite having many experienced and qualified members, and called for greater inclusion.
The Government of Uganda was represented at the service by the State Minister for Higher Education, John Chrysostom Muyingo, who delivered President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s message.
The President, through the minister, praised the Kabaka for his role in promoting development, unity, and cooperation between the government and cultural institutions.
The message also emphasized the importance of culture as a foundation for moral values and social cohesion, while cautioning against the politicization of cultural events and the promotion of immoral conduct at such gatherings.
Minister Muyingo also presented a contribution of 10 million shillings to the Orthodox Church in support of its ongoing activities.
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