President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni hosted His Beatitude Pope Theodore II, the Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, at State House, Entebbe. Their discussions focused on religious harmony, unity, and the role of faith in fostering peace and development across Africa.
Pope Theodore II, the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Church in Africa, commended President Museveni for upholding freedom of worship in Uganda. He expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to the Orthodox Church and praised the President’s efforts in promoting religious tolerance.
“Your Excellency, we bring you the gratitude of the Orthodox Church for the warm reception we have received. We feel great joy that you are a father to His Eminence Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, the Archbishop of the Orthodox Church in Uganda,” the Pope said.
He emphasized the strong ties between Uganda and the Orthodox Church, noting that Metropolitan Muzeeyi enjoys a peaceful relationship with Uganda’s leadership.
“Whenever he is in Egypt, we are always happy to receive him, and I know that his heart is at peace because of you. May the Lord bless you,” Pope Theodore II added.
The Pope also acknowledged Uganda’s efforts in fostering regional stability, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He highlighted the Orthodox Church’s humanitarian work, including supporting children and orphanages.
“We respect both Muslims and Christians alike. We also recognize that fundamentalism exists in various forms, and we pray that the Lord grants you, Your Excellency, and Maama good health and strength to continue leading with wisdom,” he said.
President Museveni stressed the importance of mutual respect among religious and cultural groups, referencing the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan.
“Jesus was clear—judge what you do, not what you say or claim to be. Those who disturb others in the name of religion are misguided,” he stated.
He also criticized identity-based divisions, warning against sectarianism.
“If I don’t respect someone because he is not from my tribe, then I am an enemy of myself first and foremost. We have little regard for sectarianism because even Jesus did not preach division,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Archbishop Jeronymos Muzeeyi, and other dignitaries. Pope Theodore II’s delegation is set to visit Lwemiyaga before heading to Gulu as part of their engagements in Uganda.
