BY OUR REPORTER
Hundreds of Bazzukulu, religious leaders, politicians and other distinguished guests gathered at the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) headquarters in Kyambogo, Kampala, on Monday for a special interfaith thanksgiving prayer service held in honour of First Lady Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni.
The event, spearheaded by ONC Manager Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, was organised to give thanks to God for what participants described as His healing hand, mercy and faithfulness upon Maama Janet, while also celebrating her faith, service and contribution to the wellbeing of Ugandans.
A Gathering of Faith and Unity
The prayers brought together leaders from different religious denominations, Members of Parliament, Senior Presidential Advisors, Women Council leaders and members of the public, in what organisers described as an expression of unity, faith and gratitude.
Among the religious leaders in attendance was Pastor Aloysius Bujingo of House of Prayer Ministries International, who joined fellow clerics in leading prayers for Maama Janet and the wider Museveni family, with the congregation praying for continued good health and long life for both the First Lady and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In his remarks, Pastor Bujingo condemned individuals responsible for circulating false information about the First Lady’s health, saying such actions deserved strong rebuke.
Namyalo Speaks on the Power of Prayer
Addressing the congregation, Hajjat Namyalo said the decision to organise the prayers stemmed from a belief that some challenges go beyond human understanding or capability. She explained that the gathering was meant to seek divine intervention during a period when concern over Maama Janet’s health had spread across the country.
She acknowledged the role played by the medical team in treating the First Lady, but credited God for what she described as the ultimate intervention that brought relief to the family and to those who had been praying for her recovery.
Addressing Misinformation
Hajjat Namyalo also reflected on the anxiety that surrounded reports of Maama Janet’s health, particularly unverified claims circulating on social media suggesting she had died. She said the spread of such misinformation caused widespread fear among supporters, prompting many to seek clarification before turning to prayer.
She noted that rather than give in to fear, the uncertainty strengthened the resolve of religious leaders and Bazzukulu to continue praying, expressing gratitude to God for what she described as easing the pain and restoring hope to the family and the nation.
A Call for National Unity and Appreciation
Namyalo used the occasion to call for greater appreciation of positive developments in the country, arguing that political differences should not stop citizens from acknowledging achievements and moments of national significance. She urged Ugandans to recognise the good happening around them, rather than focusing solely on negatives.
She further prayed for continued years of service for Maama Janet and President Museveni, describing both as key figures in the country’s leadership and development journey, and asked God to grant them wisdom and protection as they continue serving the nation.
Namyalo also spoke to Maama Janet’s broader contribution to Uganda’s public life beyond her role as First Lady, highlighting her longstanding support for national development initiatives.
The Unifying Power of Faith
The gathering also gave Namyalo an opportunity to speak on the importance of religious unity, noting that the presence of Christians, Muslims and other religious leaders at the same event demonstrated the unifying power of faith and the strength of collective prayer in fostering social cohesion. She described such gatherings as sufficient to stabilise the nation and promote unity among its people.
She further appealed to Ugandans to remain prayerful and peaceful, noting that matters of leadership, life and the country’s future ultimately call for wisdom and humility.
A Broader Expression of Solidarity
For the Bazzukulu present, the service offered an opportunity to express gratitude for Maama Janet’s recovery while reflecting on her public service and personal faith. Their presence alongside religious and political leaders turned the occasion into a wider expression of solidarity with the First Family.
The thanksgiving service concluded with prayers for God’s continued protection over Maama Janet, President Museveni, their family and the country. Organisers noted that the gathering demonstrated how, beyond politics and public office, moments of illness and recovery can bring communities together around shared values of faith, gratitude and hope.