Dr Dorcas Rigathi

First Daughter Patience Rwabwogo on Friday launched her book, Jesus’ Africa, at State House, Entebbe. Dr Dorcas Rigathi, the Second Lady of Kenya, was the keynote speaker at the event. Below was her speech.

Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed guests, it gives me immense pleasure to celebrate a woman of profound vision and exemplary talent — Patience Rwabwogo — the author of the book Jesus’ Africa that we have gathered here to launch.

This woman of great vision has put together a work of divine wisdom with razor-sharp and unwavering passion. I was impressed with the clarity with which she explores how Africa has historically partnered with God, playing a significant role in His universal salvation plan.

She beautifully narrates the tale of an Africa that stands in prosperity, abundant in human and mineral riches, a beacon of refuge and hope, the lighthouse from where salvation will break forth. This journey has begun, right here, right now, in 2023 and beyond.

The Holy Scriptures remind us that without vision, people perish. The scripture also says that “God will never do anything without revealing it to his prophet.” Because of her vision, therefore, we can count ourselves a blessed generation.

The Church of Africa could not be more lucky to have her as a minister and a prophet and the nation of Uganda is particularly blessed to have such a daughter, a youth with vision and one who has written a testimony for all of us to read. In every sense, I recommend we all read this book.

Rwabwogo’s vision gives us hope and makes us feel fortunate that, indeed, there is hope in this generation, it will surely survive.

We must celebrate her parents, H.E President Museveni and his dear wife for bringing forth and nurturing this rare jewel. For you shall know them by their fruits.

In this book, our daughter, Patience Rwabwogo, narrates how she received a vision from God in 2005 about the African continent. She heard a voice saying “out of what was called darkness, will come a great light. This light will come from within you.”

She saw a vision of Africa as a source of great light, an emblem of change for the world, with Uganda at its heart. This book, Jesus’ Africa, is a deliberate illumination of the link between the African continent and Christianity, a tie that stretches the lengths of biblical history.

In the book, she points us to a historical error that needs correction. When Otto Von Bismarck convened the Berlin Conference, a move that would see our people divided, dispossessed and disenfranchised. The author prophetically sees Africa rising, painting a vibrant image of a prosperous and strategic land teeming with warm, enterprising people, blessed with abundant wealth and resources.

This is a gift we must protect as a family, as a church of Christ, as a nation and the continent of Africa. As a mother and a priest in Africa, I bless you daughter.

This book is a crucial reminder that the redemptive purpose of each nation is set by God, and it is He who has determined their boundaries. Jesus’ Africa tells us how Africa, in spite of its past struggles and present challenges, holds a unique place in the Bible, playing a pivotal role in the biblical account.

Our author, Rwabwogo, reminds us that only we, as Africans, can shape Africa’s future. The world awaits the African renaissance, and it is high time we harnessed our redemptive gifts. And, let us not forget her message for the youth. Empowering and mentoring them, guiding them towards better choices in morality, family values and sexual purity.

Jesus’ Africa is a potent response to those who question Africa’s relationship with Christianity, the so-called “religion of the oppressor.” Rwabwogo says: “No.” Christianity is not a mere religion, it is a kingdom, and we are its citizens.

In her book, Patience Rwabwogo tells a compelling story of the African continent’s vital role in the tapestry of biblical history. She reminds us all of Africa’s rich, divine heritage and its crucial role in God’s redemptive plan. This is not merely a book, it is a clarion call for Africa to awaken and take its rightful place on the world stage.

As we launch Jesus’ Africa today, let us celebrate not just the birth of a book, but the dawn of a new era, the awakening of Africa, and the fulfilment of the prophetic visions shared by our beloved author, Patience Rwabwogo. This book is a testament to her vision, her perseverance, and her unwavering belief in the glorious destiny of Africa.

Patience, your name opens the door to describe your personality. You have patiently considered, planned and graciously walked on the path of the great. Penning down a vision, and not an ordinary one, is a divine vision.

The Bible says without a vision, people perish. Your generation shall not perish because here is one of ours who has courageously outlined her vision.

Secondly, the Lord demands that a vision be not only seen, but also written down for God to prove it once it comes to pass. God is speaking even now! Jesus’ Africa, a vision of the re-demptive purpose of God is a masterpiece.

It discredits philosophies, theories and falsehood of Africa as a dark continent.

From where I sit, I think it is time for Pan-African spirit. As a mother, l feel as my daughter speaks Jesus’ Africa, let African leaders, OAU and regional bodies reach an agreement to make free. We are born free spirits, happy, joyful. Let the fathers of Africa rise and make the right decision to remove the 1884 imaginary barriers. We must allow the purposes of GOD to work.

Let our children enjoy the African heritage and dream of criss-crossing and living the dream of Cape to Cairo, without boundaries or demand for visa to restrict them.

This, I believe, is our way of resolving internal conflicts. Letting the light shine in Africa as one people, speaking one language of love, letting our children dance and celebrate being African and let them trade with each other, as we spread the gospel and revival to the entire world.

And Jesus’ Africa will become a reality. So, ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, let us dive into the heart of Africa, guided by the insightful words of Patience Rwabwogo. Let us together witness the dawn of Jesus’ Africa. Thank you.

The writer is the Second Lady of Kenya