Salvation Army international leaders visit Uganda Territory

More than 100 people respond to gospel challenge as General Brian Peddle visits Uganda.

Salvation Army world leader General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle visited the Uganda Territory, where they dedicated a new corps hall and a 28-room hostel to accommodate the growing number of cadets, and commissioned the newly-formed Uganda Territorial Music Brigade. Their itinerary included officers’ councils and public meetings where the General challenged listeners to consider salvation in Christ. More than 100 people responded positively to this call.

Territorial Commander Colonel Samuel Kwao Oklah hosted the international leaders throughout their visit. During the opening of the hostel on the site of the territory’s training college, Training Principal Major Jethro Chidamba thanked the USA Southern Territory for its financial support. Commissioner Rosalie Peddle dedicated the building to God.

Thousands of people awaited the Peddles’ arrival at Bukokho Corps in eastern Uganda, where the General dedicated and commissioned the largest corps hall in the Uganda Territory. The Honourable Simon Mulongo donated 90 percent of the total cost of this building project. Now the deputy head of the African Union Mission to Somalia peacekeeping agency, Mr. Mulongo is a Salvationist from a humble background who believes God has lifted him to this status and now strives to give back to God. By constructing this place of worship, his desire is that other people can encounter this same God. In his address, the General encouraged this generous spirit to multiply in the territory.

Salvationists gathered for men’s and women’s rallies on Saturday morning. The General spoke to more than 500 men, reminding them to live a holy life for the betterment of their families and themselves, noting that man was created in God’s own image and for his own purpose. Many responded to the call at the mercy seat.

Commissioner Rosalie Peddle spoke to approximately 800 women, urging them to re-emerge, to be empowered and to stand up above social limitations in order to achieve their fullest calling as Salvationists. During the afternoon, more than 900 young people gathered to meet the General.

Sunday’s program began with a march of witness through Mbale, which attracted many people as the Ugandan musicians—supported by participants from Nairobi Central Temple, Kenya East Territory—led the masses. The international leaders received the salute.  

Later, a congregation of almost 3,200 people listened to the General bring a Bible message based on 1 Peter 1:13-16, in which he exhorted the crowd not to conform to the standards of the world. Many individuals prayed at the mercy seat and others accepted Christ as their personal Savior.

During the meeting, the General commissioned the first-ever Uganda Territorial Music Brigade, including both a band and songsters.

“You have to employ your talents to witness for Christ and help to expand The Salvation Army in and beyond this land using the power of music and its tools,” the General charged the musicians as he awarded them their certificates. 

The Peddles concluded their visit with officers’ councils for the territory’s 171 active and retired officers and cadets. The General urged those assembled to live out their calling, assuring them that Uganda is on his heart. Recognizing the “blessing of young officers,” he noted the “unique potential” for the Uganda Territory. All the officers present responded by moving to the mercy seat to rededicate themselves to God’s service.

From a report by Lt. Benjamin Wanjala, Major Joseph Wandulu, Joshua Kyaligonza and Peter Mugisa from Salvation Army International Headquarters