Museveni meets Orthodox Church leaders, reaffirms religious tolerance

KAMPALA - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has held discussions with senior leaders from the Orthodox Church in Uganda at State Lodge Nakasero.

The meeting aimed at acknowledging and celebrating the Church’s 25-year presence in the country, states a release from the Presidential Press Unit- PPU.

The delegation hosted by the President earlier today (Tuesday, April 29th) expressed their heartfelt gratitude to President Museveni for the support and freedom granted to them to establish and grow their religious mission in Uganda. 

The team were led by  Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Uganda.

In brief, about their mission, the Church leaders reported that their journey began a quarter-century ago when they acquired land from the Ethiopian Orthodox community, which had earlier established roots in the country.

They expressed their commitment to upholding peace, unity, and community service in Uganda, and pledged to continue supporting the values that foster harmony and national development.

President Museveni, according to the PPU media handout  welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed Uganda’s longstanding policy of Pan-Africanism, which he said remains a guiding principle in the country’s approach to unity, cooperation and development.

“Our policy here is Pan-Africanism. Any African who comes here to live or work is welcome.

We believe in the oneness of the African people—economically, socially, and, in some cases, even politically. We are always looking for integration in Africa,” said President Museveni.

Some of the church leaders who met the President.

The President also emphasised that Uganda remains a home for all Africans, provided they respect the laws of the land and contribute positively to society. He also cautioned against religious divisions, stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence among all faiths.

“This is your home—unless you break the law. What we do not accept is conflict between religions. You cannot pretend to be working for God while fighting other religions. That is unacceptable,” the President added.

The meeting concluded with mutual appreciation and a reaffirmation of the shared goal of strengthening the bonds between communities, religious groups, and Africans.