President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, today received international evangelist Bishop Dr. LaDonna C. Osborn at State House Entebbe, where they reflected on Uganda’s transformation, faith, leadership and the longstanding spiritual ties between the Osborn family and Uganda.
Dr. Osborn is in Uganda at the invitation of Pastor Patience Rwabwogo ahead of her consecration as an Episcopal Bishop on August 23, 2026. The consecration ceremony will also coincide with the 20th anniversary celebrations of Covenant Nations Church.
During the meeting, Dr. Osborn described herself as a friend of Uganda and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to return to the country, where her family has maintained longstanding ties through Christian ministry.
She recalled her first visit to Uganda in 1985, when she came with her late mother and spent several weeks preparing for a major evangelistic crusade at Lugogo.
Dr. Osborn reflected on the difficult circumstances she witnessed at the time, recalling the effects of years of conflict, insecurity and destruction. She said Kampala had poor infrastructure, while many communities were struggling after years of instability.
Looking at Uganda today, she commended the transformation the country has undergone over the past four decades, particularly in the areas of peace, education, health, and freedom of worship and expression.
Dr. Osborn acknowledged that leadership comes with difficult decisions and challenges, noting that people involved in important work will inevitably encounter opposition.
She also spoke about Pastor Patience, whom she described as a woman with a strong relationship with God and a deep commitment to her ministry.
Encouraging Pastor Patience to remain focused despite opposition, Dr. Osborn drew from the biblical story of Nehemiah, who faced opposition while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
She quoted Nehemiah’s response to those seeking to distract him from his work:
“I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.”
Dr. Osborn said the message was relevant to both spiritual and secular leadership, emphasising the importance of remaining committed to a worthy mission despite criticism and opposition.
She also recalled her family’s early ministry in Uganda, saying she and her mother worked closely with local pastors and churches while preparing for the Lugogo crusade. She fondly remembered several Ugandan church leaders whom she encountered during that period and who have since played prominent roles in the country’s Christian community.
On her part, Maama Janet warmly recalled the visit of Dr. Osborn’s late mother to Uganda, describing it as a precious and memorable spiritual experience for their family.
She recalled that Dr. Osborn’s mother came to pray with the family and gave each of their children their first Bible, together with one of her books.
The First Lady said the book contained a message encouraging people to seek God, which had a profound personal impact on her.
“Your mother came to Uganda and came to pray with us. It was precious. She gave each of our children their first Bible and one of her books. At the back there was a message where she said, ‘If you want to meet God, repeat these words after me.’ I did, and it has never been the same since then,” Maama Janet recalled.
She said the memories of Dr. Osborn’s mother remain deeply cherished by the family and emphasised the special bond that exists between the Osborn family and Uganda.
“There is so much remembrance of your mother. Your mother and yourself mean a lot to us,” she said.
The First Lady also expressed gratitude for Pastor Patience’s forthcoming consecration, commending her strong relationship with God.
“Pastor Patience has a strong relationship with God. When we see Pastor Patience going to be consecrated a Bishop, we cannot thank God enough,” Maama Janet said.
The meeting provided an opportunity to celebrate the longstanding relationship between the Osborn family and Uganda, reflect on the country’s transformation over the past four decades, and reaffirm the enduring role of faith, service and leadership in building communities.
Dr. Osborn is expected to participate in a series of Christian activities ahead of the August 23 consecration ceremony at Covenant Nations Church in Luzira, which will also mark the church’s 20th anniversary.
The meeting was also attended by Pastor Patience Rwabwogo.