The Dean of All Saints' Cathedral Kampala, the Very Rev Canon Rebecca Margaret Nyegenye, has challenged Christians to remain focused on their calling as citizens of heaven and intentionally pursue spiritual maturity through a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Canon Nyegenye made the remarks on Sunday while delivering the keynote sermon during the Mukono Diocese Convention 2026 held at Bishop Ssebaggala Synod Hall at the diocesan headquarters under the theme, “Growing Spiritual Maturity in Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
The convention attracted church leaders and Christians from across Mukono Diocese and beyond for a day of worship, fellowship, evangelism and spiritual renewal.
Preaching from Ephesians 4:13, Canon Nyegenye emphasised that spiritual maturity is not reserved for clergy, church leaders or a select group of believers, but is God's expectation for every Christian.
She noted that every believer has been called to grow in faith and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
“Spiritual growth is the responsibility of every believer. God desires each one of us to mature in our faith and become firmly grounded in Christ,” she said.
Canon Nyegenye urged Christians to develop a personal relationship with Christ and deepen their understanding of the faith they profess.
She challenged believers to be able to clearly explain what they believe, why they are saved and the hope of eternal life found in Jesus Christ.
“A mature Christian should know what they believe and be able to explain the reason for their faith. We must continually grow in our understanding of God's Word and our relationship with Christ,” she said.
Canon Nyegenye further observed that spiritual maturity is demonstrated through active participation in the life and mission of the Church.
She encouraged Christians to identify and faithfully use the gifts and talents God has entrusted to them for the edification of the Church and the advancement of God's Kingdom.
“If believers faithfully offered their gifts and talents in service to Christ, the Church would be far more effective in fulfilling its mission and advancing the Kingdom of God,” she said.
Canon Nyegenye noted that God has equipped every believer with unique abilities and spiritual gifts that should not remain unused.
According to her, the growth and effectiveness of the Church depend on Christians willingly offering themselves in service and contributing to the work of ministry.
She also called upon Christians to promote unity within the body of Christ, urging believers to avoid actions and attitudes that create division and instead work together in love for the growth of the Church.
Canon Nyegenye emphasised the importance of speaking the truth in love and building one another up in faith.
“Christians are called to care for one another, encourage one another and walk together in unity as members of the body of Christ,” she said.
She further challenged believers to reflect the character of Christ in their daily lives, noting that spiritual maturity is revealed not merely by knowledge but by conduct.
Canon Nyegenye encouraged Christians to demonstrate Christ-like attitudes through their words, decisions, relationships and actions.
“A mature believer should increasingly reflect the character of Christ in everyday life. Our conduct should testify to the transforming power of the Gospel,” she said.
Closing the convention, the Bishop of Mukono Diocese, Enos Kitto Kagodo, commended the organisers for choosing a theme that addresses a fundamental aspect of Christian living.
“We have all been called by God to grow. A mature believer is known by the quality of their decisions and by the testimony of their life,” he said.
Bishop Kagodo observed that spiritual maturity is reflected in a person's words, decisions and conduct.
He also described the overwhelming attendance at the convention as evidence of spiritual maturity among Christians.
“Even this gathering is a sign of maturity. Spiritually mature believers value fellowship, especially spiritual fellowship. The fact that Christians gathered here in large numbers demonstrates a desire to grow in Christ,” he said.
Following the convention, the Diocesan Mission Coordinator, Rev. Mikka Lukwago Migavu, announced that the next Mukono Diocese Convention will be hosted by Nakibizzi Archdeaconry in September 2026 and will run for three days.
Preparations for the event will be undertaken jointly by Nasuuti, Bbaale, Kangulumira and Lugazi archdeaconries, together with Mukono High School, Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital and the Lay Readers' Executive.
