First Lady hails bishop Lwandasa's influence beyond the pulpit

Uganda's First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Museveni, has praised Bishop Dr Samuel Lwandasa and his wife, Pastor Margaret Lwandasa, as exemplary servants of God whose lives embody the biblical call to be "salt and light" to the nation.

In a heartfelt message delivered during a thanksgiving service held at Mt Lebanon Christian Centre Cathedral in Mukono Municipality, Maama Janet celebrated the clergyman's multiple milestones: his 60th birthday, 41 years in ministry, 34 years of pastoral service and the silver jubilee (25 years) of their marriage. The message, read by Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) executive assistant Baker Waiswa, highlighted the couple's profound spiritual and societal impact.

"I greet you all in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ on this memorable day, when we commemorate key milestones in the life of a spiritual father, a friend, and a significant leader in our nation," the First Lady's message stated.

She expressed deep gratitude to God for the Lwandasas' dedication, quoting Matthew 18:18-20 to underscore their role in discipling nations.

"By enabling us to witness a life that is truly salt and light to the world, you have demonstrated the literal meaning of Christ's call to the Church," she said.

The First Lady offered prayers for renewed strength in the couple's next season, drawing from Isaiah 40:31.

"I pray that you continue to be the voice we need to guide God's people, the shepherd we trust, and the model of Christ-likeness we follow! My prayer for both of you... is that the Lord renews your strength like the eagle's, that you will run and not grow weary, and you will walk and not be faint."

She extended personal congratulations on the milestones and thanked Bishop Lwandasa for his friendship to her family and the nation.

"May your marriage and ministry continue to be a true witness of the love of Christ to many, and may generations continue to be blessed by your leadership! The Lord you serve is faithful!"

The message painted a vivid portrait of the bishop's decades of service, including planting churches, mentoring young people, supporting orphans and widows, and reaching the unreached through prayerful and sacrificial ministry.

"Your impact cannot be measured by numbers alone — it is written in the transformed lives we see around us today," she noted.

Bishop Dr Samuel Lwandasa and Pastor Margaret Lwandasa pose with their family during the thanksgiving celebration.

The First Lady also commended Pastor Margaret for her steadfast partnership.

"Your wife, Mama Margaret, has stood faithfully beside you, a woman of strength, prayer, and grace. Together, you have modelled what a Christ-centred marriage and ministry look like."

Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties Odrek Rwabwogo, who was the chief guest, echoed the praise in a separate address read by the Head of Training, Production and Public Outreaches, Francis Kagonyera.

Rwabwogo described Bishop Lwandasa as a diligent shepherd who consistently adds value to people's lives, a trait he credited for the cleric's enduring success.

He urged Ugandans to emulate the bishop by being useful, purpose-driven, morally upright and hardworking.

Rwabwogo also called on leaders to focus on improving the education sector, developing the business environment and raising national standards.

In their response, Bishop Dr Samuel Lwandasa and Pastor Margaret expressed profound gratitude to God, attributing all their achievements to divine grace.

They cautioned the congregation against pride, stressing the importance of humility, patience and unwavering trust in God as the path to fulfilling one's ordained destiny.

The colourful celebrations drew religious leaders, government officials and countless believers whose lives have been touched by the bishop's ministry. The event underscored Bishop Lwandasa's role as both a spiritual leader and a unifying national figure.

As Uganda reflects on his remarkable journey, Bishop Lwandasa's life stands as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of a life fully surrendered to God, servant leadership and faith in action.

Many left the gathering inspired to follow his example of dedication, integrity and humility.