By Kabuye Ronald
On Sunday, 14th September 2025, Bishop Jacinto Kibuuka’s Mamre International Prayer Centre, located in Namugongo, Janda, Kira Municipality, Wakiso, celebrated its ninth anniversary. The centre, which also serves as the headquarters of the Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church (AOCC), marked the occasion by reflecting on both its significant achievements and the challenges faced throughout the journey.
Following his excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church, Fr. Kibuuka joined the Evangelical Orthodox Church its headquarters based in Canada in June 2016, a Catholic sect which later rebranded as the Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church (AOCC). On 14th July 2016, the Mamre International Prayer Centre was officially opened, laying the foundation for the vibrant community now celebrating nearly a decade of ministry.
During his homily, Bishop Kibuuka urged the congregation to abandon the culture of complaining and discontent, calling it a root cause of evil, fear, and discouragement, not just in spiritual life but also in broader society.
“Even God hates complaining. It’s a sign of disobedience and mistrust in Him. We are called to persevere and endure hard times with faith. Don’t over-complain about your marriage, your faith, or your government, nothing is perfect, not even yourself. Over these nine years, we’ve made a conscious decision to move from complaining to loving and serving God with whatever is available,” Bishop Kibuuka said.
Reflecting on the accomplishments over the past nine years, Bishop Kibuuka expressed gratitude for God’s faithfulness and provision:
“God has been good to us. He hasn’t forsaken us. We’ve acquired over eight acres of land where the church now stands, built a standard church structure, and established schools. We’ve baptized numerous children, officiated over 200 weddings, and planted 108 AOCC churches across the country. We’ve also ordained several priests and launched our national seminary,” he shared.
He further highlighted the church’s efforts toward economic empowerment through poverty eradication initiatives such as mushroom farming, piggery, and poultry projects. To date, more than 5,000 piglets and chicks have been distributed, free of charge to over 1,200 Christians in AOCC churches nationwide.
“All this has been done through our own efforts, without external aid,” he emphasized.
However, Bishop Kibuuka did not shy away from addressing the challenges they’ve faced, including episodes of religious intolerance and legal battles.
As the centre enters its 10th year, Bishop Kibuuka revealed plans to convene a synod to lay out a strategic direction for the next phase of their journey.
“We will consult widely, because we serve God and people. The ideas for our future must come from both,” he said.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Birungi gave thanks to God for the many blessings, citing his own journey from deacon to bishop as evidence of God’s grace.
“We thank God who has brought us this far despite many challenges. The charisma God gave us is healing and deliverance, and we are grateful that many people have returned to God through this ministry,” he said.
Auxiliary Bishop John Baptist Matovu, the Secretary General of AOCC, and Mr. Francis Xavier Bossa, Chairman of the Mamre Prayer Centre Board, reminded the faithful that the journey is far from over.
“Nine years is a foundation. The real journey lies ahead. Let us not grow complacent. Love God more, it is the heart that loves Him that He helps and strengthens,” they urged.
