The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, has urged couples to legalize their marriages as a means of serving a good example to their children.
Speaking at a thanksgiving ceremony for Mr James Lutalo and his wife, Margaret Lutalo, in Namungo village, Mityana District, Rev Kazimba said men have a tendency of being negligent with holy marriage.
“You cannot reason that you are still knowing each other for all those years. Now The Lutalo’s couple is 47 years old, what sincerely are you still studying about each other,” he asked, pledging to provide support when the couple is ready to receive holy matrimony.
He underscored the importance of marriage, noting that it spurs happiness among the family and creates an everlasting bond between the spouses.
The Thanksgiving ceremony was held on February 22, to thank God for healing Mrs Lutalo whose eyes got complications and she became blind for three years. However, after a successful operation conducted in Tororo District, she was able to regain her sight.
“It is unfortunate that other people are receiving holy communion in a compound where the hosts are not eligible to get it. Prepare very quickly and call me again, I will be available, ” he promised.
The function was graced by officials from the Central government led by lands minister, Judith Nabakooba, the clergy, Buganda government officials led by Ndiga Clan head, Lwomwa Eria Lwaasi Buzaabo, among other dignitaries.
Ms Nabakooba told believers the importance of holding thanksgiving ceremonies, noting that they go through a lot and this is the good time to appreciate God for navigating them through all challenges.
She applauded Archbishop Kazimba for responding to her call of updating trustees on the church land, noting that: “The Anglican Church has over 1000 titles under processing. This is to ensure land tenure security and guard church land from grabbers.”
She promised for more land titles across the country and encouraged beneficiaries to use the land productively.
“Engage in commercial agriculture and boost your living standards. Leaving the land idle makes it susceptible for land grabbers.”
Ms Nabakooba also reminded the people of Mityana to love the National Resistance Movement (NRM) headed by President Yoweri Museveni. She highlited a number of government programs that have seen locals transform their lives such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga among others.
Rev Bishop James Bukomeko of Mityana Anglican Diocese also acknowledged the work of Mr Lutalo during the period when his wife was battling eyes complications.
“When one of the spouses is sick, family activities cannot move on smoothly. We appreciate your patience and commitment for all those three years when your wife was blind,” he said.
He called upon men to respect their wives as strong pillars in the family.
Rev Bukomeko lauded minister Nabakooba for working tirelessly to fight land issues.
“We had land issues involving the Church and they wanted to evict us but the minister intervened and we were helped,” with out revealing the name of the church, bishop Bukomeko said they now have some relief.
The head of Ndiga Clan, Mr Lwaasi, tasked Mrs Lutalo to reciprocate the family’s love in the hard times she went through by loving her husband for the sacrifice he made when she was sick.
“Keep that spirit and stay united as a family. This will see you transform in all aspects because togetherness facilitates development.”
On behalf of the family, Steven Kiyingi, a son of the celebrants, thanked the Archbishop for giving the family an opportunity and sparing sometime to attend their function.
“We thank you our dear Archbishop for honouring our invitation. We cannot take this for granted.” He also thanked their father, for being patient during the time their mother was sick.
Mr Kiyingi handed over a newly furnished house to his parents to congratulate them for overcoming the challenges during the three years of their mother’s health illness.
