Bishop Banja celebrates wedding silver jubilee

KAMPALA - The Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Moses Banja and his dear wife, the Rev. Canon. Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja (currently the Vice-Chancellor of Ndejje University), have joined the club of silver jubilarians.

They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a colourful Eucharistic service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe, on Tuesday (April 21, 2026).

The service was presided over by the archbishop of the Church of the Province of Uganda, the Most Rev. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, who praised the clerical couple for their exemplary marriage.

He said the Banjas had demonstrated a deep observance of the highly desired values of marriage, such as forgiveness, tolerance, faithfulness, prayer, mutual support and mutual respect.

“Today, we are not just celebrating a silver jubilee in marriage. We are celebrating God’s faithfulness. We thank God for the blessings God has lavished on the Banjas, such as the gift of children and promotions. We are also thanking God for the challenges He has enabled them to overcome. You know, marriage is never a bed of roses. It also has thorns. Marriage is also not about choosing a perfect person, but choosing an imperfect person and loving that person perfectly.”

Bishop Moses Banja and his wife, Canon Prof. Olivia Banja, wave to their guests upon arrival at their reception venue at Mengo Senior School. (All Photos by Mathias Mazinga)

Kaziimba later asked Christians to pray for the institution of marriage, which he said was under severe attack. He shocked Christians when he told a story of how he went to the US and saw a wedding celebration, where a man was marrying an alligator.

He called on Christians to cherish and support the institution of Christian marriage and the family, which he said was the foundation of society and the Church.

After the Eucharistic service at Namirembe Cathedral, the Banjas hosted their guests to a grand reception at Mengo Senior School Sports Grounds, where they shared their marital experiences.

Bishop Moses Banja said he took a long time to marry because he was still looking for a woman of his dreams. “I had prayed to God to give me a well-educated wife with a degree. Some people were discouraging me, saying educated ladies were unruly and advising me to go for one with modest education, at most, a primary school teacher.

Well, I got a professor! When I was marrying her, I told her I was marrying her not because of any other reason, but because I loved her. I made it clear to her that if we got children, they would be a bonus gift from God. That meant that whether God gave us children or not, I would not leave her,” Banja said.

The Banjas, after their 25th wedding anniversary thanksgiving service at Namirembe Cathedral on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Bishop Banja then thanked Maama Olivia for loving, respecting and taking care of him, in spite of her high academic achievements and influence.

Prof. Olivia also appreciated the steadfast love and support that Bishop Banja has been giving her since their wedding day.

Presidential salutation 

The silver jubilee function of the Banjas was highly dignified by the presence of the Vice-President, Jessica Alupo, who delivered President Yoweri Museveni’s congratulatory message and cash donation of sh50m.

In his message, Museveni expressed deep admiration for the marriage and ministry of the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Moses Banja and his wife, the Rev. Canon. Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja, referring to it as very “Inspiring.”

He paid tribute to the clerical couple for their ecclesial ministry, which he said had holistically transformed the lives of many Ugandans.

He observed that the Banjas had projected sincere love, patience and mutual devotion during their marital life.

Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda with Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga during the reception.

“I want to congratulate Bishop Moses Banja and your dear wife, Maama Olivia Banja, upon celebrating a remarkable milestone of a silver jubilee in the holy institution of marriage. Twenty-five years of marriage is a testament of enduring love, unwavering commitment and steadfast faith in God. This occasion is not only a personal celebration for the Banja family, but also a moment of inspiration for all present today, especially the young people.

In a world when the institution of marriage often faces many challenges, your journey stands as a shining example of resilience, patience and devotion. You have demonstrated that with faith at the centre, a marriage can flourish and become a pillar of strength, not just for a family, but for the entire country,” Museveni said.

He then thanked Prof. Olivia for being supportive of his husband Bishop Banja.

“Behind every great servant of God, there is a supportive partner. Maama Banja, we recognise and appreciate your love, sacrifices and loyalty that you continue to show in your home and the Church.”

Museveni then paid tribute to Bishop Banja for adding value to his episcopal ministry.

“I want to thank Bishop Banja for your faithful service that has brought transformation in the lives of many Ugandans. It is gratifying to note that the religious leaders in Uganda have added to their fundamental task of evangelism, working for peace and socio-economic transformation. On behalf of the government and the People of Uganda, I once again extend congratulations to you both. May the almighty God continue to bless your union with good health, joy and prosperity.”

The Banjas share a photo-moment with the clerics' spouses during their reception at Mengo Senior School.

On her part, Vice-President Alupo also thanked the Banjas for being committed to each other. She further thanked them for praying for peace during the recent political campaigns/elections. She then asked Christians and all Ugandans to pray for those who were elected into positions of leadership to serve the people and the country in accordance with the will of God.

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, also congratulated the Banjas before commending them for setting good examples, which he said had strengthened the virtues of the marriage institution.

The grand function was graced by many dignitaries, including the Deputy Katikkiro of Buganda, Robert Wagwa Nsibirwa, the Speaker of the Lukiiko, Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, the Ssabaganzi, Emmanuel Ssekitooleko, the Namasole of Buganda, the former IGG Betty Kamya, and the Executive Director of the National Council of Higher Education, Prof. Mary Okwakol, among several others.

Surprise bestman, matron

Among several other things, the guests were greatly hooked into the function by the Banjas’ chosen Bestman, the Nigerian Anglican Prelate, Rt. Rev. Markus Dogo, Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese (Nigeria) and his wife, Nana Rahila Dogo (the matron).

The couple electrified the reception with their elegance, lively presence and energetic dance. Ensembles from various schools gave cabaret entertainment during the reception.