President Yoweri Museveni has urged young couples to build lasting relationships in order to serve and build their country.
“I want to use this opportunity to encourage young couples to build lasting relationships. This enables you to serve and build the nation, because the family unit is the foundation of a country,” President Museveni said.
He made the remarks during the 32nd wedding anniversary of the Rt. Rev. Michael Lubowa and wife Jennifer Lubowa as they reaffirmed their love and commitment to each other in Mpuungu village, Kyegonza sub county in Gomba district today.
The president, in a speech read for him by the Vice President Jessica Alupo, applauded the couple for setting a good example for the young generation.
“I commend you for your steadfastness and commitment to your marriage vows. You are an inspiration to your children. I trust that they will emulate your excellent conduct and carry on the family legacy,” Museveni remarked.
He added that reaching the milestone of 32 years in marriage is indeed befitting that you hold this church service to thank the Almighty God for bestowing his great mercies and blessings upon your family and marriage.
The colourful ceremony saw the Bishop Lubowa and wife renew marriage vows conducted by Retired Bishop of Central Buganda Diocese, Jackson Matovu.
The president stressed that the Bible teaches believers that God is the author of marriage adding that Marriage is a beautiful and fulfilling gift from God, because life starts from this union of man and woman.
He emphasized that as it’s written in Genesis, chapter 2, verse 24, that:
“Therefore, shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
“God ordained and blessed marriage as a holy union of man and woman,” the president stressed.
The president noted that in the Gospel of St. Luke, we find a story of ten lepers who were healed of their affliction by Jesus. After receiving their healing, only one, who was even a Samaritan, returned to Jesus, to offer thanksgiving; the other nine simply went away.
He went on to quote that in Luke, chapter 17, verses 17-18, Jesus asks:
“Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”
He stressed that this shows us that God is always delighted when believers recognize Him as the source of their blessings. This anniversary celebration is a blessing that many couples yearn for.
He said as the couple celebrates 32 years in marriage, “I pray that God grants you good health and continues to bless your family,”
He wished the Rt. Reverend Michael Lubowa and wife more fruitful years in their marriage.
Bishop Lubowa in his message noted that vow renewal is necessary because for him, it is like rededicating your life to the Lord.
“I think that it matters to affirm to your wife and assure her or your husband that: ‘Look, the years ahead of us, we’re going to spend it together’. And, as you do, God will confirm your word because what you say is what you get”.
In recognition of this milestone, the Bishop said his family “gives glory to the Almighty God for what he has done for us during this journey”.
Jennifer Lubowa on her part said this celebration is a simple acknowledgement of the goodness of God in our lives.
“We would be ungrateful to God if we didn’t celebrate how far the Lord has brought us,” she said.
The couple which also used the same anniversary to canvas for funds to build their retirement home said they started with nothing but amazingly, God has blessed them with four children and one grandchild. Shs27m was collected in both cash and pledges.