By Our Reporter
SOROTI
First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni has officially opened a three-day women’s Christian prayer camp in the Teso region, urging Christian women to take the lead in praying for peace as Uganda approaches its general elections.
This event took place at Jeresar High School in Soroti city, organized by the Destiny Community Development Initiative (DECODI) under the theme “When Women Rise and Pray,” inspired by Psalm 46:5, from December 8 to 10, 2025.
During her address, the First Lady emphasized the crucial role of women in praying for peace across all districts in Uganda. She urged them to pray against confusion, bloodshed, and intimidation, and to seek the truth to emerge over fear and deception. She highlighted the importance of choosing leaders whose hearts resonate with God’s purposes.
Represented by Dr. Lorna Magara, Chairperson of the Makerere University Council and leader of Intercessors for Uganda, Museveni underlined that when women unite in prayer, heaven takes notice, and nations can experience realignment.
The First Lady remarked that throughout history, God has empowered women not primarily through political realms, but significantly through spiritual influence.
She stated that women influence core values, as the environment at home, the teachings imparted to children, and the guidance provided in communities are profoundly shaped by mothers.
“If you raise a child, you shape a life; but if you raise a mother, you shape a nation,” she said.
She reaffirmed that women are the custodians of peace, noting that communities often reflect the spirit of their homes, which, in turn, mirrors the essence of the mother.
Janet Museveni insisted that when women reject violence and advocate for peace, entire communities tend to follow suit.
According to her perspective, women serve as the moral compass of society, and challenges like corruption, tribalism, and dishonesty are not just national concerns but also deeply spiritual ones that often have roots in the home.
She expressed that women have the power to nurture integrity or, conversely, to undermine those entrusted to their care, highlighting that a mother can bless a nation and safeguard future generations, with her prayers capable of opening doors that no election can close.
The First Lady noted that as Uganda finds itself at this pivotal moment—a time filled with both the weight of change and the promise of what lies ahead—she likened it to Israel standing on the banks of the Jordan, gazing towards the promised land. Uganda, too, is at a point of transition.
“Just as the priests stepped into the water to lead their nation forward, she believes that the women and prayer warriors of Teso land are being called to rise in this significant season,” she said.
She stressed that the prayer camp is not an ordinary gathering; it is a prophetic space designed to prepare Uganda to receive what God has intended for the future.
Before they take time to pray for what lies ahead, she urged women to remember their past, particularly Uganda’s journey, which has been marked by immense challenges, including political strife, wars, instability, and severe economic downturns.
The First Lady encouraged women to hold onto this remembrance, as it forms the foundation upon which they must stand while advocating for Uganda’s future.
“As we look to scripture, we see God instructing the children of Israel to pass down the stories of His faithfulness to future generations. Therefore, Mama encourages us to keep in mind our origins and the blessings God has bestowed upon us even as we pray for what’s to come,” she stated.
She also reminded the women that this election season transcends politics; it is a deeply spiritual time. Elections are crucial junctures in a nation’s life, where decisions are influenced not only by votes but also by the spiritual environment that God’s people cultivate through prayer.
Throughout scripture, it’s clear that when God wanted to change the course of a nation, He called upon intercessors. Abraham interceded for entire cities, demonstrating the power of standing in the gap. Deborah emerged as a powerful leader, guiding Israel to victory because she knew how to listen to God’s voice, embodying both strength and maternal wisdom. Hannah’s fervent prayers brought forth a prophet who would lead Israel into a new era of righteous leadership.
In much the same spirit, God is calling upon the women of Teso and Uganda to rise in prayer for the future of our land. Intercessors serve as the unseen shield of a nation, their prayers possessing the ability to silence the enemy and uproot violence before it can take hold. These prayers disrupt manipulative schemes and prepare the hearts of voters, ensuring that God’s will prevails over human desires.
The First Lady, committed to supporting women and vulnerable groups, made a modest contribution of shs20m to assist these efforts, which was presented to DECODI.
In her own words, Dr. Magara emphasized the important role of women as builders of families and communities, highlighting Proverbs 14:1 and the call for women to rebuild our nation through prayer and skill development.
The leader of Intercessors for Uganda urged women to rise as pillars of faith and courage, dedicated to praying for the establishment of righteousness in our nation.
Anna Akwango Elotu, the Chief Executive Officer of DECODI, shared that they organized this inaugural prayer camp, uniting different church denominations in the region for spiritual empowerment.
The camp focused on interceding for peaceful campaigns and elections, recognizing that mothers and children suffer the most during times of election-related violence. Elotu expressed a desire for God to raise leaders who are loving, selfless, and committed to the advancement of Teso.
“We refuse to elect leaders for shs5,000 or local brew ajono. We seek honest, God-fearing, and hardworking leaders who will elevate Teso to new heights,” she affirmed.
Pastor Dr. Betty Odongo, the wife of the Archbishop of the National Fellowship of Born-Again Pentecostal Churches and vice leader of the Interreligious Council, stated that women’s prayers have the power to transform our nation and prevent conflict. She urged men to refrain from inciting violence during elections and to embrace peaceful voting.
Anthony Esenu, the Member of Parliament for Kapelebyong County in Kapelebyong District urged men to steer clear of election violence. He emphasized their roles as heads of households, communities, clans, and tribes, and called on them to take the lead in fostering peace and stability.
Esenu also expressed his belief that the ongoing prayers held at State House have contributed to President Museveni’s prolonged time in power and the overall blessings bestowed upon the country.
