Thousands of Christians took part in Good Friday celebrations in Uganda. They gathered at churches and public spaces to honor the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The events featured ecumenical Way of the Cross marches, prayers, and powerful sermons.
In Kampala, Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox believers joined hands. They walked with wooden crosses from their churches to Old Kampala Secondary School field. The theme of the day was “They woke him and cried, Lord save us! We are perishing,” from Matthew 8:25.
Clerics included Rev Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, and Rev Paul Ssemogerere. They were joined by Rev Moses Banja, Rev Jackson Fredrik Balwa, and Rev Anthony Zziwa. The Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) organized the event.
Rev Kaziimba urged Christians to seek Jesus during life’s challenges. He said Jesus understands pain because He lived through it. “Storms may come as illness, poverty, or violence,” he said. “But Jesus calms them because He has been there before.”
He asked the government to release some prisoners during Holy Week. “Let them carry the cross with us,” he said, earning loud applause.
Vice President Jessica Alupo represented President Museveni. She promised to raise the issue of prisoner release with the president. Ms Alupo praised the unity among churches and called for cooperation in national development.
She encouraged churches to support government programs. These include the Parish Development Model (PDM), Universal Primary Education (UPE), and Universal Secondary Education (USE). “Use these programs to improve your incomes and educate children,” she said.
Ms Alupo noted Uganda’s peaceful environment. She urged citizens to take advantage of it to uplift their families and communities.
Rev Zziwa emphasized the importance of unity and integrity. He called for strong action against corruption. He also pointed to environmental issues, linking floods to wetland destruction.
Similar Good Friday celebrations took place at Lubaga Cathedral. Christians prayed and marched in honor of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.
In Mbarara, believers from the Ankole Diocese and Mbarara Archdiocese walked from Nyamityobora to Booma Grounds. They held joint prayers afterward.
Rt Rev Sheldon Mwesigwa thanked Christians for uniting. He urged leaders to avoid bribery, comparing it to Judas Iscariot’s betrayal. “Bribery is ancient,” he said. “But we must choose truth and righteousness today.”
Mbarara Vicar General Severinus Ndugwa encouraged believers to reject sin. He warned about rising murder cases and prayed for moral renewal.
Buhweju MP Francis Mwijukye joined the prayers. He called for justice for innocent prisoners and urged compassion in the justice system.
As Easter Sunday approaches, Christians in Uganda reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. The Good Friday celebrations in Uganda highlighted faith, unity, and the need for social change.
