Museveni Rallies Religious Leaders to Champion Development as Orthodox Church Elevates Mityana Diocese

President Museveni has challenged Uganda’s religious leaders to expand their influence beyond spiritual teaching and become key players in the fight against poverty and underdevelopment in their communities.

The President’s message was delivered by the Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, during the official installation of His Eminence Nektarios Lubega as the first Metropolitan of the newly elevated Holy Metropolis of Mityana under the Orthodox Church of Uganda.

“Preaching alone is not enough. Religious leaders should also be champions of development and uplift the communities they serve,” President Museveni said in his written remarks. “We commend the Orthodox Church for its strong role in improving lives through education, healthcare, and other social services.”

The inauguration was held at the Cathedral of St. Nektarios on Mount Sinai Kawanga Hill in Mityana District an area that was dense forest just four years ago. Under the stewardship of Metropolitan Nektarios Lubega, the location has been transformed into a spiritual and social hub now featuring a modern church, a primary school, and other critical facilities.

“What you see today is a testament to faith, unity, and purpose,” said Metropolitan Nektarios Lubega. “From thick forest to a sanctuary of hope and healing this is not my personal triumph, but a collective achievement of all who believe in our mission.”

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across Uganda and beyond, including

His Beatitude, Metropolitan Gregory of Boston and president of the holy synod of America who led the installation ceremony of the new metropolitan of the Holy Metropolis. He urged Metropolitan Nektarios to remain steadfast in faith and service.

“The responsibility before you is great,” Metropolitan Gregory noted. “But with humility and faith, you will lead your people with wisdom and compassion.”

As part of his vision for the Metropolis, Metropolitan Nektarios announced the construction of an Orthodox hospital to provide free healthcare services to underserved communities. The hospital's groundbreaking was officiated by Minister Nabakooba, who represented the President at the event.

“Quality healthcare must be accessible to all not just the privileged few,” Nektarios said. “We are also planning to establish a ‘House of Healing’ to serve the sick, elderly, orphans, and the most vulnerable in society.”

He expressed deep gratitude to President Museveni for his continued support of the Orthodox Church and the religious freedom Ugandans enjoy.

“We thank the President and the government for granting us the liberty to serve without restrictions,” he added. “This freedom is the foundation upon which we’ve built everything you see here today.”

In her speech, Minister Nabakooba officially declared Mityana a Metropolis and hailed the Orthodox Church for setting an example in grassroots development.

“The Orthodox Church has shown us the real meaning of faith in action,” Nabakooba said. “From schools to hospitals, you are directly contributing to Uganda’s development. We urge other religious institutions to follow your lead.”

The inauguration of the Holy Metropolis of Mityana is not just a spiritual milestone, but a bold statement on the potential of religious institutions to drive meaningful change in Uganda’s health, education, and social welfare sectors. The event concluded with renewed calls for faith-based organisations to become active agents of transformation in the communities they serve.