Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament Enid Origumisiriza has urged Christians to embrace joy in Christ, uphold strong family values, and renew their commitment to serving God and their communities.
She made the remarks while preaching during Mary’s Day Service and the celebration of 50 years of the Mother’s Union Worldwide held at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano in Rukungiri District on Sunday.
Preaching from Luke 1:28, Origumisiriza encouraged Christians to remain joyful in the Lord, reminding them that they are highly favoured and deeply loved by God.
“Be happy, even you who may be contemplating suicide. God has given you a family so that you may find joy in it and not live in anger,” she said.
Addressing married couples, she urged women to speak words of life to their husbands and to uphold their dignity, while also calling on men to love and value their wives.
“Husbands need recognition. And to the men, love your wives. These women you see need to be loved. Even in times of trial, remain joyful. Marriage is not only about happiness during good times,” she said.
She further cautioned couples against breaking marriage vows during difficult seasons such as poverty, sickness, or domestic challenges, instead encouraging prayer and faith.
“Guard your marriage vows. Do not break them because of difficult seasons, such as poverty, sickness, or challenges in your marriage. Instead, fall on your knees and pray to God. We serve a God of the impossible.”
Following the sermon, 23 people reportedly accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.
The guest of honour, Allen Asiimwe Ruteikara Lutaaya, leader of the Women’s Ministry at All Saints Chapel, Lweza, called on women to emulate the life and virtues of Mary, including humility, obedience, and good character.
She urged Mother’s Union members to reflect on their personal example in their homes and communities.
“When we are enrolled in the Mother’s Union and wear the uniform, what do people outside our families, our children, and our husbands see in us? What example do we set? We ought to be examples, just as Mary was,” she said.
Lutaaya also emphasised discipline, integrity, purity, resilience, and patience, saying these values must be preserved and passed on to younger generations.
“These values are slowly diminishing in our nation, yet they are first nurtured in our homes. What went wrong? On a day like this, let us reflect on ourselves and intentionally pass these values on to our children,” she said.
She added that Mary’s life reflected responsible leadership and moral courage, virtues she said should guide Mother’s Union members.
“Let this celebration renew our commitment to peace, love, service, and, above all, commitment to Jesus Christ. Let us also make the Mother’s Union sustainable for those who will come after us. Nurture your children well, love your husbands, and remain committed to your families,” she said.
She contributed Shs 10 million towards Mother’s Union projects.
The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese Rt Rev Onesimus Asiimwe commended the role of the Mother’s Union in strengthening the Church.
“Whenever I visit a church and find Mother’s Union uniforms present, I am assured that the church is alive,” he said.
He added, “Mothers, continue to soar higher and stronger. You are the ones holding the Church together.”
Ms Florence Asiimwe, the Bishop’s wife, encouraged women to embrace small ideas and use them for community transformation, drawing lessons from the life of Mary Sumner, founder of the Mother’s Union.
“Never despise yourself or the ideas God gives you. Mary Sumner was not a great woman in the eyes of the world, but she had a great God within her,” she said.
Other dignitaries included a delegation from the Diocese of Kigezi led by Gloria Kiconco, Vice President of the Mother’s Union in the Diocese of Kigezi, and representatives from All Saints Chapel, Lweza.
