Busoga Bishop Lubaale tells Christians to never give up in New Year
“Never give up or withdraw, don’t allow yourself to be covered by troubles and individuals, just relax, remain hopeful in yourselves, marriages, studies and careers, all things are possible,” Lubaale urged.
Sarah Lwansasula, the NUP flag bearer vying for the Jinja city Woman Parliamentary seat greeting the congregation on the invitation of Lubaale (R) during the Passover prayers at Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe. (Credit: Jackie Nambogga)
JINJA - By 10:00pm on New Year's Eve, Jinja city-based Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe, whose seating capacity is 1,000 people, had filled to the brim, and many Christians were outside in prayers.
The cathedral's altar was momentarily conquered by mostly children who slept on its floor, with some rested by their parents who were deep in prayer.
At about 11:00pm, Busoga Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Prof. Grace Lubaale, who was the main preacher at the diocesan headquarters, walked to the altar in company of Chaplain the Rev. Daniel Wandera.
He later invited all politicians vying for different positions for blessings and identify themselves.
The Vicar of Christ's Cathedral Bugembe the Rev. Can. Mathias Katiko recording fireworks as they welcomed the New Year at the premises on Thursday. (Credit: Jackie Nambogga)
The Passover prayers attracted three of the 10 candidates vying for the Jinja City Woman Member of Parliament seat, including incumbent Manjeri Kyebakutika, archrival Sarah Lwansasula, who scooped from her the NUP ticket and Alice Kagoya, an independent.
Whereas the bishop restricted them to greeting the cheering crowd alone, Kyebakutika, a resident of Bugembe, thanked God and congratulated the congregation for crossing into the New Year as she solicited for support, describing herself as a unique and more experienced contender compared to her colleagues.
Meanwhile, Godfrey Ssempebwa and Jackson Bogere, vying for the Jinja North Division and Kigulu South MP seats as independent candidates, respectively, were the only male contestants present.
Busoga diocesan bishop, the Rt. Rev. Prof. Grace Lubaale (with top purple gear) outside the Cathedral with Anglicans as they ushered in the New Year. (Credit: Jackie Nambogga)
Others were FDC’s Juliet Nabirye (Budhumbuli west) and NUP’s Sharon Mandamayaka (Nakanyonyi, Katende and Wanyama wards) contesting for councillorship at the Jinja city northern division.
In his sermon, Lubaale asked Christians not to give up but remain hopeful in Jesus by not allowing the world or individuals to cover them.
“Never give up or withdraw, don’t allow yourself to be covered by troubles and individuals, just relax, remain hopeful in yourselves, marriages, studies and careers, all things are possible,” he urged.