Museveni, Faith of Unity believers commemorate Owobusobozi Bisaka’s 96th birthday

_______________

President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday joined thousands of faithful to commemorate the 96th birthday of Omukama Ruhanga Owobusobozi Bisaka, the founder and spiritual leader of the Faith of Unity (Obumu Ruhanga Owobusobozi).

The Wednesday, June 11, 2025, celebrations took place at Kapyemi grounds in Kagadi district. At 91 years old, Owobusobozi Desteo Bisaka passed away on January 13, 2021, at Aga Khan Hospital in Kenya. Before Bisaka died, he had selected his son, Omukwenda Akugizibwe Bisaka, to succeed him.

President Museveni, who was the chief guest, praised the Faith of Unity for fostering discipline, unity and promoting hard work among its followers.

“These people have resisted disunity. I have come here to understand what you do, learn your beliefs and see the good in it. I pray for blessings upon you and promise to support you,” he said.

The President also highlighted the importance of preserving African heritage, encouraging followers to continue building a self-reliant and peaceful society by being united.

Secondary school commissioned

President Museveni also commissioned a newly completed multipurpose secondary school building: Omukama Ruhanga Owobusobozi Bisaka Itambiro Secondary School in Kapyemi, further underscoring the faith’s commitment to education and youth development. The Faith of Unity now boasts of over 4,000 students who have gained both practical skills and spiritual guidance.

In appreciation of President Museveni’s leadership and his role in upholding freedom of worship, Owobusobozi presented to him a heifer: A symbolic gesture of gratitude and further endorsed him to continue leading the country.

He thanked President Museveni for maintaining peace and stability in Uganda and for enabling the Faith of Unity to flourish.

“Without peace, our mission could not have grown. We thank you for creating an environment where Ugandans can pray freely,” he said.

Born in 1929, Omukama Bisaka is widely revered for founding the Faith of Unity on February 22, 1980, a day marked by the miraculous healing of a woman named Mutoro who had been suffering from a longstanding illness.

According to believers, she was instantly healed when Bisaka touched her, marking the beginning of what many followers consider a divine mission of healing and unity.

Since then, the Faith of Unity has grown exponentially, with 35 dioceses (Amakwenda) established throughout Uganda. Each diocese includes a healing centre where believers gather to receive spiritual healing and divine intervention. Congregations meet for prayer and healing services monthly on the 2nd, 12th, and 22nd, aligning with the faith’s spiritual calendar.

The thanksgiving ceremony began with vibrant cultural dances, celebrating the rich heritage of Bunyoro region and the enduring impact of Bisaka’s teachings.

Local leaders and dignitaries, including Kagadi LC5 chairperson Ndibwami B. Yosia, lauded the Faith of Unity for its social transformation.

“Before Owobusobozi Bisaka brought the message of unity, Kagadi was plagued with witchcraft and cannibalism. But his teachings encouraged people to abandon evil and work hard, and today, we witness a more peaceful and progressive society,” said Chairman Ndibwami.

The group doesn’t believe in the Bible, calling it divisive, but instead uses the book of Faith and Unity, authored by Bisaka and spells out cleaning the country yard, washing, giving to the poor, grazing animals, praying to God, among others, as these are deeds that give eternal life.

Before joining this faith, one is required to list all their sin, which need to be cleansed by Owobusobozi.

He harvests rainwater, blesses it and gives it to his followers, which they drink and strongly believe that they get healing from this resource.

His followers enter the worship place while wearing white tunics (Kanzus) as a sign of holiness.

The ceremony serves as both a spiritual gathering and a testament to the enduring legacy of Omukama Bisaka, whose followers believe he continues to perform miracles and offer divine healing to this day.

The Faith of Unity remains a growing religious movement in Uganda, built upon the pillars of unity, healing, and righteousness, with followers expressing unwavering devotion to the man they call “Ruhanga” (God in human).