President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated Uganda’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and religious tolerance during a meeting with senior Orthodox Church leaders at State Lodge Nakasero on April 29, 2025.
The delegation, led by Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda, Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, met the President to mark 25 years of the Orthodox Church’s presence in Uganda. The leaders thanked Museveni for the freedom and support granted to the Church over the years.
“We are grateful for the support and the environment of freedom that has enabled us to grow and serve,” said one of the Church representatives.
The Orthodox Church in Uganda traces its roots to land acquired from the Ethiopian Orthodox community, which was among the first to settle in the country. Church leaders pledged to continue promoting peace, unity, and community service.
President Museveni welcomed the delegation and praised the Church’s contribution to Uganda’s social fabric. He emphasized Uganda’s open-door policy towards fellow Africans.
“Our policy here is Pan-Africanism. Any African who comes here to live or work is welcome,” Museveni said. “We believe in the oneness of the African people—economically, socially, and, in some cases, even politically.”
He urged religious leaders to avoid sectarianism and instead promote harmony.
“This is your home—unless you break the law. What we do not accept is conflict between religions,” Museveni added. “You cannot pretend to be working for God while fighting other religions. That is unacceptable.”
The meeting ended with a mutual pledge to continue building strong interfaith and cross-cultural relationships rooted in unity and shared African identity.