By Jumah Kakomo
The lead pastor of Miracle Centre Cathedral, Robert Kayanja, has commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for what he described as safeguarding freedom of worship across Uganda.
Kayanja made the remarks on Tuesday during the first day of the 29th Miracle Bible College graduation ceremony, held at the Miracle Centre Cathedral. During the ceremony, 559 students were awarded certificates in discipleship and leadership. The four-day graduation event is expected to conclude on Friday, with a total of about 1,902 students across the country receiving certificates, diplomas, and degrees in the same discipline.
Kayanja noted that freedom of worship is a constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human right that plays a vital role in promoting national unity, social cohesion, and political stability. He emphasized that Uganda’s history of religious conflict underscores the continued importance of protecting religious freedom to ensure peaceful coexistence in a diverse society.
He cited the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, which establishes the country as a secular state with no official religion and prohibits discrimination on religious grounds. The Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, belief, and the right to practice, profess, and promote any religion.
Kayanja further pointed out that freedom of worship is also recognized under international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Uganda is a signatory. He said religious freedom promotes tolerance and harmony in a multi-faith society such as Uganda, where Christianity, Islam, and indigenous beliefs coexist.
He added that religious freedom is closely linked to other fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, speech, and assembly, and that its protection upholds the dignity of all individuals regardless of belief.
Addressing born-again believers, Kayanja urged them not to reduce faith to mere religious practice. He emphasized the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with God and living out faith through love, compassion, and kindness rather than ritual and tradition.
During the ceremony, Kayanja also prayed for the Minister of Education and Sports, First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, to retain her position in the next term, expressing hope that Miracle Bible College would be accredited and upgraded to a fully fledged university.
“I pray that Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni returns as Minister of Education so that we can be accredited and promoted to a full university,” Kayanja said.
He encouraged the graduates to remain united, love one another, and continue pursuing studies in discipleship and leadership, urging them to serve as good ambassadors and contribute to building a strong and sustainable born-again church across the country.
