KATERERA, RUBIRIZI — The Archdeacon of Rugando Archdeaconry, Ven. Rev. Joab Akankunda, has urged parents to abandon hatred and jealousy, and instead turn to God, reconciliation, and forgiveness.
Addressing Christians of Nyakatunga Church of Uganda in Katerera, Rugando Archdeaconry, Rubirizi District, during a Thanksgiving service for the family of Mr. Kamugisha Onesmus, OC CID Rukungiri District, Rev. Akankunda warned Christians against gossip and unproductive practices such as witchcraft.
He asked believers to repent, pray, and live holy lives in order to develop their families and fight poverty and domestic violence.
The service was aimed at raising funds to complete the installation of tiles in the church.
Rev. Akankunda praised the Church for its role in supporting government efforts to foster unity, mediation, peace, and discipline in society. He challenged Christians to change their mindset by embracing work, love, good morals, and government programs to lift themselves out of poverty.
He appealed to parents to sacrifice and struggle to take their children to school and teach them faith so that they grow into responsible people in future.
Rev. Akankunda thanked the Kamugisha Onesmus family for loving the Church, and emphasized the importance of giving back to God. “Having God in your home attracts more blessings. Giving back to God has no loss. It brings both divine blessings and shows extraordinary generosity,” he said.
On the same function, Mr. Yona Tumuranze, the Lay Leader of Nyakatunga Church of Uganda in Katerera, confirmed that over shs 6.5 million in cash was collected toward the completion of the church. He thanked Christians for their support and urged them to continue turning to God as their savior. He also asked parents to work hard for their families to increase household income and development.
Mr. Tumuranze further urged parents to support and raise their children with love and strong religious values so that they grow into responsible, God-fearing citizens. He encouraged Christians to always thank God for the gift of life, saying knowing and remembering God in good times is key.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kamugisha Onesmus, the OC CID for Rukungiri District, said his family makes it a point to celebrate with friends and relatives while thanking God. The Thanksgiving was dedicated to raising funds for the construction of Nyakatunga Church of Uganda as a way of appreciating God for life and blessings.
Afande Kamugisha shared his personal journey of faith, explaining that giving thanks to God as a family brings success despite challenges. He noted that thanking God is not about avoiding hardship, but about embracing gratitude and supporting community development in all circumstances.
He thanked everyone who supported community development, especially in constructing the church, and promised to work closely with Christians to ensure their place of worship is protected and renovated.
By: Tugume Muzafaru,
_Senior News Reporter, Rubirizi District_
