Mount Sion Bukalango celebrates silver jubilee in style

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Mount Sion Prayer Centre Bukalango, a renowned centre of Catholic Charismatic praise, worship, supernatural healing and deliverance located at Bukalango on Hoima Road in Kakiri town council, Wakiso district, was on April 19, 2026, the focus of national attention as crowds of Catholic faithful and people of other faiths flocked to celebrate 25 years since its inception.

The Pontifical Mass was presided over by the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere. It was concelebrated by a number of other Catholic priests, including the Vicars General, Msgr Gerald Kalumba and Msgr Rogers Kabuye.

School children in a cultural dance entertainment action. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The magnitude of the function was elevated by the presence of the Vice President Jessica Alupo, who represented Yoweri Museveni, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, higher education state minister John Chrysostom Muyingo, Wakiso resident district commissioner Christine Mbabazi, the mayor-elect of Kakiri town council Moses Bagala, and Buganda’s culture minister Dr Anthony Wamala, among others.

Delivering her speech during the function, Vice President Alupo acknowledged with gratitude the deep faith and evangelistic zeal of the late Expedito Magembe, who founded Mount Sion Prayer Centre in 2001.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (wearing a purple cassock) and other Christians look on as Vice-Pesident Jessica Alupo cuts the tape commission the Book Shop Premises of the Catholic nuns of Bukalango. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

“Today we gather in thanksgiving to God for the remarkable journey that began through the vision and obedience of Monsignor Expedito Magembe. What started as a humble prayer movement in Kiziba Parish in the early 1990s has, by the grace of God, grown into a powerful centre of worship, transformation and testimony," Alupo said.

"Through perseverance, sacrifice and unwavering faith, the centre has grown into a sanctuary of hope for the sick, the broken-hearted, and all those seeking God’s intervention. It stands out as a beacon of faith, healing and spiritual renewal not only in Uganda but across the region,” she added.

She also thanked President Museveni for supporting the late priest’s ministry.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo (fifth-left), Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (fourth-right) and other Catholic religious men and women share a photo moment at the proposed Mount Sion Prayer Centre Church that is under construction. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

“As government, we believe that places like Mount Sion Prayer Centre are vital partners in promoting values of peace, discipline, integrity and unity among people. These are the same values that underpin Uganda’s development agenda. As we celebrate this silver jubilee, I urge you all to reflect on the journey so far and to renew your commitment to the mission of this centre. Let this anniversary not only be a moment of celebration but also a moment of re-commitment to prayer, to service, and to rebuilding a society grounded in faith and righteousness,” Alupo further said.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere with Vice-President Aluoo at the foundation stone of the proposed priests' house at Mount Sion Prayer Centre Bukalango after unveiling it. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Delivering his homily, Archbishop Ssemogerere also thanked President Museveni for his support to the centre.

“The President was a friend and confidant of Msgr Expedito Magembe. He used to come here to see him, and also to pray with him in good and bad times. It was from that friendship that came the Presidential donations to this centre, including the offer to build the Sisters’ Convent, the Bookshop, which will serve as a source of income for the sisters, the church, and Bukalango Television. The President fully funds the projects,” Ssemogerere revealed.

Christians look on as Vice-Pesident Jessica Alupo plants a memorial tree for the silver jubilee of Mount Sion Prayer Centre Bukalango. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Ssemogerere praised the prayer centre, describing it as a place of spiritual encounter.

“I express my sincere appreciation to the Sisters and all those who have dedicated their lives to sustaining the prayer life and apostolate of this shrine. May Mount Sion Prayer Centre continue to be a beacon of faith, hope and spiritual renewal for many generations to come. Let this milestone inspire renewed commitment to love Jesus more deeply and to bring this love to the world, whatever the cost,” Ssemogerere said.

Archbishop Ssemogerere handing over an accolade that the Christians of Mount Sion Paryer Center Bukalango gave to President Museveni. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Earlier, before Mass, Vice President Alupo commissioned the newly built Sisters’ Convent and Bookshop constructed by the UPDF Engineers Brigade under the instruction and full funding of President Museveni.

Alupo, together with Archbishop Ssemogerere, also inspected the church, which is under construction by the same team. The projects are estimated at sh11b, according to Fr James Ssebayigga, the prayer centre’s assistant director. Alupo and Ssemogerere also unveiled the foundation stone for the proposed priests’ house.

Museveni donates sh50m to Mount Sion

Before the conclusion of Mass, Vice President Alupo handed over sh50m donated by President Museveni to Mount Sion Prayer Centre as a gesture of support towards the 25th anniversary celebrations.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo (centre), Prime minister Robinah Nabbanja (right) and Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo (left) during the offertory procession of the thanksgiving mass for the 25th annivesary of Mount Sion Prayer Center, Bukalango at the prayer cenre on Hoima Road, Kakiri Town Council, in Wakiso district on Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Prime Minister Nabbanja contributed sh35m towards the proposed Fathers’ House project, while Vice President Alupo pledged sh10m. Dr Muyingo also donated 100 bags of cement and pledged further support.

The celebrations were not without concern. Christians were left stunned when Fr James Ssebayigga revealed that Bukalango Television, which had been donated by the President, had been taken off air due to taxes.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (holding a crosier) shares a photo moment with the Vice-Persident, Jessica Alupo (on the archbishop's immediate right), Premier Robinah Nabbanja (third-right), Dr. Anthony Wamala (on premier Nabbanja's immediate left), Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo (fourth-right), Justine Mbabazi (second-left), Moses Bagala (right) and the Catholic priests after the thanksgiving mass of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Mount Sion Prayer Centre, Bukalango at the prayer centre on Hoima Road, in Kakiri Town Councill, Wakiso district on Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

He appealed to the Vice President and the Prime Minister to bring the matter to the attention of the President so that the station could resume its evangelistic mission.

Ssebayigga also raised concern about individuals who masquerade as stakeholders of Mount Sion Prayer Centre Bukalango, and illegally solicit funds in the name of supporting the centre.