In Pictures: Christmas celebrations around the country

At All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero

Rev. Stanley Ntagali presided over his final Christmas service as the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. Photo by Juliet Kasirye

Miria Matembe and husband Nekemia Matembe during the Christmas service at All Saints Cathedral. Photo by Juliet Kasirye

Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi greets former Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki. Photo by Juliet Kasirye

At Miracle Centre Cathedral, Rubaga

Pastor Robert Kayanja urged Christians to take part in the daily business of the country to make it want they want it to be. He said as born agains, they are to inject themselves into the country system to contribute more to its development.

"We are to be vigilant, we will look out for the corrupt and report them to both God and Edith Nakalema of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit," he said.

He further urged Christians to charge vices they don't in their communities like alcohol abuse and drug addiction by preaching to the victims the word of God.

Pastor Jessica Kayanja preaches to the hundreds of Christians who turned up to celebrate Christmas. Photo by Lawrence Mulondo

Pastor Robert Kayanja urged Christians to inject themselves into the country system to contribute more to its development. Photo by Robert Kayanja

At Hospitals

Ronald Ssemwogerere with his baby named Emmanuel who was born via c-section 2:00 am at Mengo Hospital while the mother Annet Nalinya rests. Photo by Sylvia Katushabe

Josephine Nampijja with her baby girl Emmanuella Kirabo who she gave birth to at 5:00 am at Mengo Hospital weighing 3kgs. Photo by Sylvia Katushabe

Gloria Kiwanuka, a midwife, attending to a mother who delivered a baby on Christmas Day at Lubaga Hospital. Photo by Simon Peter Tumwine

Midwife Joan Nansubuga with Serinah Gift who was born on Christmas morning. Photo by Simon Peter Tumwine

Caroline Ngesa gave birth to her first baby at Nsambya Hospital that she named Ethan Emmanuel Bbaale. Photo by Karim Ssozi

 

Emmanuel Ouma was blessed with twin girls at China-Uganda Friendship Hospital in Naguru. Photo by Alfred Ochwo

 

Rashida Muhammed and Richard Mukiibi were blessed with baby boy - their third child - at Lubaga Hospital at noon. Photo by Simon Peter Tumwine

  

At St. Mary's Church, Kagadi

Rev. Fr Jude Ahebwa Thaddeus the parish priest of St. Mary's Church in Kagadi in his Christmas message called upon Christians to denounce laziness, human rights violations and gender-based violence but proclaim the gospel of hard work, reconciliation, forgiveness and respect for one another in a bid to follow Jesus' example on Earth.

"The birth of Jesus Christ is a clear testimony for us Christians to remain faithful, promote love for each other, forgiveness and shunning all sorts of prejudices,  like battering women, child abuse, misuse of drugs, murder, kidnap, land grabbing, insults which perpetuate social disharmony and underdevelopment," he said.

He called on Christians to spread the message of hard work, education of children, protection of the environment and holy matrimony.

The St Mary's Catholic Parish choir performing carols during the Christmas service. Photo by Andrew Musinguzi

At St Paul Kabuga Catholic Church, Kibaale

Christians were urged to reflect on past experiences and to trust in God with total commitment to and zeal so as to change their lifestyle in social, economic and spiritual development. The call was made by Vincent Habasa who heads the sub-parish, who also advised the youth to desist from living recklessly.

Christians during Christmas celebrations at St Paul Kabuga Catholic Church in Kibaale district. Photo by Andrew Musinguzi

At St Nicholas Orthodox Church, Namungoona

The Most Reverend Jonah Lwanga the Archbishop of Kampala and All Uganda leading Christmas celebrations at St Nicholas Orthodox Church in Namungoona. Photo by Dickson Kulumba

At Rubaga Cathedral

The Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga during his Christmas sermon urged Christians to front truth, love and conservation of the environment. He also called upon couples to maintain peace in their homes.

Archbishop Lwanga greets Kattikiro Charles Mayega. Photo by Ponsiano Nsimbi

Mayega with Capt. Francis Babu outside the Cathedral. Photo by Ponsiano Nsimbi

At St James Cathedral, Ruharo

The Bishop of Ankole Diocese Rev. Dr Sheldon Mwesigwa blessing children who turned up for Christmas prayers at St James Cathedral in Ruharo. Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo

At Namirembe Cathedral

The Bishop of Namirembe Cathedral Kityo Luwalira was the main celebrant at Christmas prayers held at Namirembe Cathedral. Luwalira said the Church of Uganda is dedicating the year 2020 as the year for children.

Several prominent people attended the service including Deputy Katikkiro Robert Nsibirwa, former Chief Justice Wako Wambuzi former and Deputy Chief Justice Steven Kavuma.

Former Deputy Chief Justice Steven Kavuma was one of the high profile attendees. Photo by Kennedy Oryema

At St Boniface Catholic Church, Mulagi

Fr Pius Oketch, the parish priest of the church in Butaleja district, cautioned Christians to not to consume large amounts of alcohol saying that that the aftermath is dangerous.

"People have saved a lot of money not for the offertory, not for charity, but to celebrate by drinking alcohol. People here drink a lot of alcohol. Some become happy but some go back to their families and fight with their wives and the children. Others spend everything forgetting about school fees for the next term," he said.

A child takes a nap during Christmas prayers. Photo by Maria Wamala

At Victory Christian Centre, Ndeeba

Pastor Joseph Sserwadda called upon the various political actors in the country to exercise tolerance as the country engages in political activities for the next general elections in remarks made during his Christmas sermon at his Ndeeba-based Victory Christian Centre.

"Elections are approaching. Various politicians and political groups will start gatherings. In the past, some people have been tortured and others killed because of politics. If someone doesn't support you, it should not cause you to persecute them. It is their right not to support you," Sserwadda stated.

He advised that if one political camp makes inroads in releasing popular political songs, the competitors can also counter with music or do better than them in other things.

Pastor Joseph Sserwadda preaching during the Christmas service. Photo by Ronnie Kijjambu