DAY OF NATIONAL PRAYERS
The depiction of Museveni as a born again Christian yet he left the faith long time ago
Bishop Joshua Lwere, the General Overseer of the National Alliance of Pentecostal and Evangelical Churches of Uganda
2:25pm | National Prayers under way
Health minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng is the emcee of today's prayer session at State House Entebbe, and she has started us off with a prayer.
Pastor Tom Mugerwa of Mutundwe Christian Fellowship in Blue Suit
She goes on to make introductory remarks.
Today's service pastor is Pr. Dr. Daniel Matte, President Uganda Union of SDA Church.
The preacher is Bishop Joshua Lwere, the General Overseer of the National Alliance of Pentecostal and Evangelical Churches of Uganda.
The co-celebrants are Mufti Of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Mubajje and Metropolitan Jonah Lwanga.
Aceng says Kampala Archbishop Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga was not able to make it for the prayers and he is being represented at Entebbe.
The depiction of Museveni as a born again Christian yet he left the faith long time ago
2:30pm | 'Please keep your masks on'
As the President's arrival is awaited by his high-profile guests, minister Aceng asks the choir to animate the session with some worship songs.
She is keen to remind the choir and the guests alike to keep their masks on - fitted properly to cover the mouth and nose.
2:42pm | President Museveni arrives
Today's host, President Yoweri Museveni has walked in accompanied by his wife Janet.
And we shall get under way - starting with the anthems.
2:45pm | Pastor Matte gets us under way
Today's service pastor is Pr. Dr. Daniel Matte, President Uganda Union of SDA Church, is invited by the emcee to get the session under way.
He is having on a face mask with a beautiful coulourful pattern - matching his tie. A grey suit and blue shirt complete his sharp look.
On behalf of the Inter-religious Council of Uganda, Pastor Matte starts off by thanking President Museveni for his leadership and how he has handled the coronavirus crisis in Uganda.
"We want to thank your leadership for involving the invitation of God so that He will move with us in this fight. Thank you very much."
He adds: "Prayer is an important aspect of our faith. Prayer beings us to God. It is an opportunity for us to express our thanks (...) and our fears to God."
2:55pm | ♬Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus ♪ ♫
After his brief delivery, Pastor Matte asks the choir to lead in the hymn Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.
Bishop Simon Peter Emiau then follows with the opening prayer.
He prays for the President, the people of Uganda and Uganda as a nation.
2:59pm | ♬ Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise ♪ ♫
After the opening prayer, all rise and the choir leads in singing the beautiful Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise hymn.
It goes thus:
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish, but nought changeth Thee.
Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render, O help us to see:
'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee.
3:04pm | The first reading
The first reading is two-part - extracted from 1 Samuel 7:12 and 2 Samuel 7:18-22.
Rev. Canon Captain William Ongeng, the provincial secretary of the Church of Uganda, takes the reading.
After the reading, the choir leads us in singing the good ol' addictive Amazing Grace.
3:12pm | The second reading
Msgr Charles Kasibante, the secretary of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, is representing Archbishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, and he takes the second reading.
It is extracted from Mark 4:35-41.
Kasibante is followed by Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the 2nd Deputy Mufti of Uganda.
Today's preacher is Bishop Joshua Lwere, the General Overseer of the National Alliance of Pentecostal and Evangelical Churches of Uganda.
He takes to the podium to deliver his sermon.
He starts off by thanking the President for making "this a place of worship", today's being the third national prayer this year. He mentions how he was contacted by the BBC following the President's tweet announcing the national day of prayers.
Apparently, they were interested in knowing if it was actually he, the President, who had called the prayers and not the religious leaders. He assured them that it was the President who called it and that it was not a political move (considering that the general elections are around the corner).
3:34pm | 'Be obedient'
In his delivery, Bishop Lwere urges Ugandans to abide by the measures put in place by authorities to prevent the spread of the coronavirus within our communities.
"When we are rebellious and disobedient, God does not work with us.
"We must do our part so that God can do his part."
Lwere says that as religious leaders, they have taken it upon themselves to spread out into the country and teach their fellow clerics how to sensitize the people on the COVID-19 pandemic.
3:41pm | 'Do not focus on the negative'
In his PowerPoint-aided delivery, Bishop Lwere talks of how important it is to strive to be better as opposed to being bitter in the midst of this storm in the form of the coronavirus pandemic.
"During a storm, it is important not to focus on the negative. It is important to turn out better instead of being bitter.
He adds that during this difficult period, God wants us as a nation to refocus our attention. "As a nation, we must have the ear to hear what He wants us to do," preaches Lwere, who explains that just because the storm is on does not mean that God is not watching and doing something about it.
The bishop underlines that it is not God that brought the pandemic upon the world. Instead, it is satanic forces that did.
Bishop Lwere touches on a wide range of issues, including man's dominion over other elements of nature and moral decadence. He also talks of the importance to work hard and give wholeheartedly.
"God wants cheerful givers as He wants cheerful workers."
He says people who grumble all the time while at work do not achieve much and it is that very negative energy that plunges them into an abyss of "poverty and failure" even though they show up for work every day.
4:17pm | A holistic approach
Bishop Lwere preaches that to transform Uganda, we must address the four elements of: head, heart, hands and house.
He alludes to the teachings of Sue Victor (1120AD) which detailed that we have:
Defective minds (heads), so we need to study theology;
Defective morals (heart), so we need to study ethics;
Defective bodies (hands), so we need technology to supplement our physical weaknesses.
The fourth element is relationships (house), so we need to love our neighbour.
4:20pm | ♬ All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name ♪ ♫
After Bishop Lwere's "wonderful insights", the choir is asked to lead in a song of affirmation: All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name
All hail the pow'r of Jesus' Name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!
Bring forth the royal diadem
Ye chosen seed of Israel's race,
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all!
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all!
You are Lord of all
You are Lord of all
5:00pm | Time for intercession
Pr. Dr. John D. Kakembo thanks God "for disregarding our disregard for the SOPs [standard operation procedures".
He also gives thanks for the President for being persistent in urging the nation to follow guidelines. He thanks God for the medical teams - led by health minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng - who have sacrificed their time and lives.
He dedicates the prayer to the bereaved, asking God to console them, and to the survivors that they may heal them completely.
Sheikh Shaban Mubajje prays that Allah helps us to put to good use "all of our resources". During this difficult economic time for many people, he prays to God to "help us to trust that all our security is with you".
The Mufti of Uganda asks God to provide for our needs, to help us the protect the poor and less privileged by "opening new opportunities for them" and farnish resources for them to maintain their dignity.
Born Again faith leader apostle Dr Joseph Sserwadda's prayer is on on what he calls the "sensitive" subject of the safe lifting of the lockdown.
Before saying his prayer, Sserwadda makes a passionate appeal for the resumption of communal worshipping, saying that as religious establishments, they are ready. "It is now the right time to call off the lockdown," he tells the President.
The Hindu representative speaks of their being "enthusiatic for this moment" of national prayer and being made to feel at home in Uganda.
Bishop Wilberforce Luwalira of Namirembe Diocese thanks God for the gift of parents and children - and strikes a tone of reflection on the value of family time. "Almighty God, we pray for stable families that will serve as stable foundations for the church and for the nation. Forgive us for being lazy and even at times for failing to feed our families.
"We pray for the First Family. As they lead this nation, they need you even more now," prays Luwalira.
Next hymn: Standing on the Promises
Standing on the promises of Christ my King
Through eternal ages let his praises ring
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing
Standing on the promises of God
Standing, standing
Standing on the promises of God my Savior
Standing, standing
I'm standing on the promises of God
COVID-19: Museveni voices need for discipline
Added 29th August 2020 01:26 PM
During the national prayers at Entebbe, President Museveni says discussions are ongoing on how to handle the reopening of churches, schools and bars.
Washing of hands with soap and water is part of the discipline encouraged to prevent being infected with the coronavirus. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
DAY OF NATIONAL PRAYERS
Live reporting by Joseph Kizza
_________________________________
6:15pm | Good evening!
And it is a wrap! That's all from State House, Entebbe on this day of collective, national prayer. Glad you could follow along.
Don't forget to continue keeping yourself safe.
Cheers!
_________________________________
6:09pm | Museveni to Ugandans: Do not let your guard down
President Museveni says discussions are ongoing on how to handle the issue of reopening churches, schools, bars, etc.
But he says the number of coronavirus cases is rising because of lack of discipline among sections of the population and warns that "if we are careless, then we shall have to organise burial teams".
He also says it is "nonsensical" to ride on the notion that it is only the old people that are prone to the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, citing the recent youth elections involving about eight million voters across the country, Museveni says "it is really not about the numbers - it is the discipline". He urges Ugandans not to let their guard down when we are close to defeating the virus.
And strikes a tone of optimism: "In the next four or five months, we may get a treatment (...)"
_________________________________
5:53pm | 20 out of 29 deaths from Kampala
Minister Aceng says that out of the 29 deaths recorded, 20 have been from Kampala.
President Museveni says the high COVID-19 mortality numbers in the capital could be as a result of people listening to divergent/conflicting views.
"We are working very hard here and of course outside [Uganda] to deal with the issue of a vaccine and even treatment - but in the meantime, avoiding is the best way," he advises.
_________________________________
5:45pm | Breakdown of the 91 new COVID-19 cases
Uganda has confirmed 91 new coronavirus cases. The cumulative total confirmed cases of Ugandans are now 2,847.
As mentioned in the previous entry, one death has been registered today - a 45-year-old Ugandan female who was a resident of Kampala. That brings the total COVID-19 deaths to 29.
Meanwhile, 88 of the 91 new cases are contacts and alerts: Kampala (44), Kikuube (6), Wakiso (5), Ntoroko (3), Jinja (3), Kitgum (2), Buikwe (1), Gulu (1), Lira (1) and Mukono (1).
One case is a health worker from Luwero.
The other two are truck drivers who arrived via Malaba.
_________________________________
5:26pm | COVID-19 update
Before inviting the President to speak, health minister Dr. Aceng provides an update on Uganda's COVID-19 situation.
She reveals that results from Friday's tests have revealed 91 new positive cases, with Uganda now at a cumulative tally of 2,847 cases.
One person has died, bringing the total COVID-19 deaths to 29. The recoveries remain at 1,288.
The minister reveals that of the 91 new cases, 44 are from Kampala.
_________________________________
5:20pm | 'Bless this nation and your people'
After the closing prayer, Metropolitan Jonah Lwanga steps forth to deliver the blessing.
And to wrap up today's prayer session is a song of faith. "A song which invites the Lord in our lives": Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah/Redeemer.
_________________________________
5:16pm | Closing prayer: 'We repent before you, O Lord'
The First Lady and Minister of Education & Sports, Janet Museveni, steps forward to deliver the closing prayer upon Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng's invitation.
On behalf of the nation, she thanks God for His love and compassion - and for how He has helped Uganda climb out of the claws of disease and wars over the years.
The First Lady prays that Uganda's journey is a "testament to your faithfulness" and that "every time we have called out to you, you have answered us".
"Today, we are faced with a new enemy in the form of the coronavirus. (...) We repent before you today, O Lord, and we pray that in your judgment, you remember mercy."
5:20pm | 'Bless this nation and your people'
After the closing prayer, Metropolitan Jonah Lwanga steps forth to deliver the blessing.
And to wrap up today's prayer session is a song of faith. "A song which invites the Lord in our lives": Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah/Redeemer.
5:26pm | COVID-19 update
Before inviting the President to speak, health minister Dr. Aceng provides an update on Uganda's COVID-19 situation.
She reveals that results from Friday's tests have revealed 91 new positive cases, with Uganda now at a cumulative tally of 2,847 cases.
One person has died, bringing the total COVID-19 deaths to 29. The recoveries remain at 1,288.
The minister reveals that of the 91 new cases, 44 are from Kampala.
5:45pm | Breakdown of the 91 new COVID-19 cases
Uganda has confirmed 91 new coronavirus cases. The cumulative total confirmed cases of Ugandans are now 2,847.
As mentioned in the previous entry, one death has been registered today - a 45-year-old Ugandan female who was a resident of Kampala. That brings the total COVID-19 deaths to 29.
Meanwhile, 88 of the 91 new cases are contacts and alerts: Kampala (44), Kikuube (6), Wakiso (5), Ntoroko (3), Jinja (3), Kitgum (2), Buikwe (1), Gulu (1), Lira (1) and Mukono (1).
One case is a health worker from Luwero.
The other two are truck drivers who arrived via Malaba.
5:53pm | 20 out of 29 deaths from Kampala
Minister Aceng says that out of the 29 deaths recorded, 20 have been from Kampala.
President Museveni says the high COVID-19 mortality numbers in the capital could be as a result of people listening to divergent/conflicting views.
6:09pm | Museveni to Ugandans: Do not let your guard down
President Museveni says discussions are ongoing on how to handle the issue of reopening churches, schools, bars, etc.
But he says the number of coronavirus cases is rising because of lack of discipline among sections of the population and warns that "if we are careless, then we shall have to organise burial teams".
_________________________________
6:15pm | Good evening!
And it is a wrap! That's all from State House, Entebbe on this day of collective, national prayer. Glad you could follow along.
Don't forget to continue keeping yourself safe.
Cheers!
_________________________________
6:09pm | Museveni to Ugandans: Do not let your guard down
President Museveni says discussions are ongoing on how to handle the issue of reopening churches, schools, bars, etc.
But he says the number of coronavirus cases is rising because of lack of discipline among sections of the population and warns that "if we are careless, then we shall have to organise burial teams".
He also says it is "nonsensical" to ride on the notion that it is only the old people that are prone to the coronavirus.
![3rd National Prayers on the COVID-19 Global pandemic - YouTube]()
Meanwhile, citing the recent youth elections involving about eight million voters across the country, Museveni says "it is really not about the numbers - it is the discipline". He urges Ugandans not to let their guard down when we are close to defeating the virus.
And strikes a tone of optimism: "In the next four or five months, we may get a treatment (...)"
6:15pm | Good evening!
And it is a wrap! That's all from State House, Entebbe on this day of collective, national prayer. Glad you could follow along.
Don't forget to continue keeping yourself safe.
Cheers!
