In a significant gesture strengthening the bridge between faith and culture, the leader of the House of Prayer Ministries International (HPMI), Pastor Aloysius Bujjingo, on Saturday, paid a reciprocal courtesy visit to the Umukuuka (King) of Bugisu, His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, at his palace in Mbale City.
The visit fulfilled a pledge made when the Umukuuka visited the church at Canaan Land this year. Pastor Bujjingo was accompanied by his wife, Susan Makula Bujjingo, and a delegation of church elders.
The delegation was received at the palace shortly after 11 a.m. by the Kingdom Prime Minister, Dr Paul Mwambu, who later ushered them into an audience with the King and his Queen, Annet Mudoma.
In his remarks, the Umukuuka expressed deep appreciation for Pastor Bujjingo’s commitment to fulfilling his promise. “Your visit here today is a symbol of the strong relationship between faith and our cultural heritage,” King Mudoma stated. He specifically requested the pastor’s prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity in the Elgon region.
Pastor Bujjingo, in turn, commended the government for its policy of restoring cultural kingdoms, which he said plays a vital role in preserving national identity and fostering community development. He praised King Mudoma for his leadership and for “loving God and working together with the Government.”
The high point of the meeting was the exchange of gifts, symbolising mutual respect and support. The HPMI delegation presented two healthy cows to the Bugisu Cultural Institution as a token of their appreciation and fellowship.
In a generous counter-gesture that underscored the kingdom’s support for the church’s developmental work, King Jude Mike Mudoma pledged 500 bags of cement towards the construction of the “Pentagon” church building at the Canaan Land site.
The Kingdom Prime Minister, Dr Paul Mwambu, hailed the visit as more than a social call. “This courtesy visit by the pastor is a demonstration of the growing partnership between the church and our cultural institutions. We commend the House of Prayer Ministries for its heart to serve and heal the nation,” Dr Mwambu said.
The event concluded with a prayer session led by Pastor Bujjingo for the King, the royal family, and the entire Bugisu region, sealing the day’s proceedings in a spirit of unity and shared purpose.
