Orthodox pope pledges to build hospital nursing school in Lwemiyaga

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Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodore II has pledged to construct a nursing school and hospital in Lwemiyaga, Ssembabule district in appreciation for the hospitality of the people and leaders of Uganda.

He made the offer earlier today (Wednesday, February 19) at St George and Andrew Orthodox Church in Lwemiyaga.  

Addressing a huge gathering, he noted that Uganda was among the countries he visited immediately after his ordination. He also revealed that President Yoweri Museveni is among the great African leaders he admires for the respect and honour he accorded the religion and developmental programs.  

Museveni, he added had also promoted peace and unity in Uganda and the African region.  

Pope Theodore II, the spiritual head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Africa and is based in Alexandria, Egypt, said he will return to Uganda in the future to open the hospital and training nursing school upon its completion.

Representing government, state minister for health, Hanifa Kawoya who doubles as the Mawogola West MP, in Ssembabule district, appreciated the Orthodox Church Pope for his partnership with Africa and Uganda through developmental projects support. 

She said that the security and stability in Uganda have empowered the nation to progress. She said the divisive politics retards peace, unity and development.  She said

Orthodox Pope, Theodore II, of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. One of the oldest Patriarchates. He is accompanied by the Lwemiyaga MP in Ssembabule district, Theodore Ssekikubo and his eminence Metropolitan, Jeremymos Muzeeyi, the Archbishop of the Orthodox church of Uganda including the state minister for health, Hanifa Kawoya. (Credit: Dismus Buregyeya) Pope Theodore II of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, greeting Bishop Severus Jjumba of Masaka Diocese in Lwemiyaga, Ssembabule, where he was hosted at St George Orthodox church Lwemiyaga. (Credit: Dismus Buregyeya)

Uganda has invested much in education, health and stability which is a foundation for girl child development, peace and security.

Katikiiro (Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister) Charles Peter Mayega who was represented by Wamala Kuwatanya commended the Orthodox Church for the contribution towards the Health and Education programs targeting the youth.   

He said added that through the education programs, the Orthodox Church has promoted Greek Language education in Uganda.  

Mayega urged the Ugandans to guard against HIV/AIDs plus malaria and called for proper feeding and body workouts saying that it's a package crucial for good health.  

The ceremony turned political when several legislatures campaigned for Lwemiyaga MP, Theodore Ssekikubo.

John Baptist Nambeshe (Bududa) the opposition chief whip and deputy President NUP eastern region, thanked the people of Lwemiyaga for voiting MP Ssekikubo whom he described as objective and pro-people leader.  

He said NUP will not field a candidate against Ssekikubo for his objectivity. "We shall all support Ssekikubo regardless of his party affiliation, vote for him 2026," he said.

Bashir Ssempa, MP Mubende Municipality described Ssekikubo as a focused MP who fronts national interests. 

Arguing that parliament has only two orthodox faith-based MPs, MP Hellen Nakimuli from Kalangala said, “we still need the likes of Hon. Ssekikubo in Parliament. He is a people power brand." Barnabas Tinkansimire, Buyaga West County, Kagadi asked the people of Lwemiyaga to stick by Ssekikubo in 2026 saying he is among the top legislators in parliament because of his disciplined values.

"I pity Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande and Joy Kabatsi who think they can oust Ssekikubo. Let's support Ssekikubo because he is the right replacement for President Museveni when he retires," he said.

When he took to the podium, Ssekikubo said his late father, Dr Sam Mwagalwa, is among the founders of the orthodox church that has enabled the Orthodox Church Pope to visit Lwemiyaga, Ssembabule. 

He thanked President Museveni for the warm welcome for the Orthodox church Pope at State House Entebbe. Describing him as a leader who respects religion and worship freedoms, he added, "let's concentrate on President Museveni and his victory in 2026, later he will show us the direction to take after his retirement," he said.

James Mwesigye from the President's Office asked the people of Lwemiyaga and Ssembabule to ignore NUP and the opposition saying that they are political comedians. He thanked MP Ssekikubo and Ssembabule residents for supporting President Museveni and the NRM regime. He said President Museveni will sweep the western region with a landslide victory.

The Ssembabule district council chairman, Patrick Nkalubo, welcomed the plans by the Orthodox Church to construct a university in Lwemiyaga, Ssembabule district. He said that the religious and education programs supported by the Orthodox Church.