Catholic Church commemorates first Muslim-Christian encounter

RELIGION       

KAMPALA - "Christians and Muslims are all God's children. They also share a common ancestry because they both descended from Abraham. They should thus not hate each other but live in peace, love, and harmony. This is what God wants."

These remarks were made by Rev. Msgr. John Wynand Katende, the head of Foyer de Charite Namugongo Spiritual Retreat Centre. The prelate was delivering his homily during the pilgrimage mass for the commemoration of the historic Muslim-Christian encounter in Uganda at Kijjukizo kya Mapeera Catholic Sub-parish, Kitebi, in Rubaga Division, on February 21.

Rev. Msgr. John Waynand Katende delivering his homily during the commemoration of the 141st anniversary of the first Muslim-Christian encounter in Uganda at Kijjukizo kya Mapeera Catholic sub-parish, Kitebi (Rubaga Division) on Friday, February 21

 
Upon their arrival to Uganda (at Kigungu Landing Site, Entebbe Municipality) on February 17, 1879, the pioneer Catholic Missionaries, Fr. Simeon Lourdel Mapeera and Bro. Delmas Amans, as they made their way to the palace of King Muteesa I of Buganda in Rubaga, met a Muslim official of the king, Amir Ssekikubo, who accommodated them at his home in Kitebi, and later helped them to meet the king. The historic encounter, which is now commemorated annually, happened on February 21, 1879.

The function on Friday was also graced by the grand-children of Amir Ssekikubo, led by Nusura Namutebi. The White Fathers were represented by Fr. Richard Nnyombi, the parish-priest of Mapeera-Nabulagala Catholic parish.

Sheikh Jamil Ntambi (holding a microphone) leading other Muslim faithful in the Dhuwa prayers

 
The function had one aspect of extra-ordinary interest. Christians and Muslims prayed together at the Church, which is located near the home of Ssekikubo. The Muslims, led by Sheikh Jamil Ntambi, also recited Dhuwa prayers at the Church, at the conclusion of the Catholic mass.

Prior to the Dhuwa prayers, Sheikh Ntambi gave a brief homily. Like the Catholic Prelate, the Muslim cleric also called upon Christians to work in partnership with Muslims, especially in the areas of education, health, and development, in order to advance the country's socio-economic transformation.

Catholic priests during the Eucharistic celebration

Amir Ssekikubo's grand-daughter, Nusura Namutebi (holding a microphone) showing the wooden arms chair that Fr. Lourdel Mapeera used to sit on when he was staying at her grandfather's home

A section of Christians during the Mass

Students from Baptist High School Kitebi leading the singing during the Mass