Fear God Or Perish: Gen. Leopold Kyanda Preaches to Armed Forces, Expresses Remorse for the Pain God Endures Upon Witnessing His Children Turn Against Him

Kampala, UGANDA: In a stirring address at the Armed Forces Prayer Breakfast held at the All-Saints Cathedral Church of the Resurrection in Bugolobi, Kampala, Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda, the Defence Attaché to China and former Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), urged all men and women in uniform to maintain a strong spiritual connection with God for the success and continuity of their missions.

Speaking to a congregation of military, police, and prison service personnel, Maj. Gen. Kyanda emphasized the importance of spiritual resilience in their line of duty. He referenced the Old Testament story of Angel Michael, a spiritual warrior who fought and overthrew the devil, drawing a parallel between the biblical tale and the modern-day responsibilities of the armed forces.

“The work that we do as men and women in uniform does not start today but started that time. The purpose that they are telling us here is deeper because it was a warrior that went out and threw the devil out of heaven,” Maj. Gen. Kyanda remarked, highlighting the enduring nature of their mission.

The General expressed remorse for the pain God endures when witnessing His children turn against Him, noting that despite God’s generosity, the devil continues to wage war against Him. He praised the armed forces for their spiritual heritage and called upon them to elevate their commitment to glorify God further.

Officers at the Thanksgiving Service (Photo: UPDF Press)

“Know who you are, know your role and know your path, know what you can do. That is why you can go and defend your country no matter the place. We should remember that we still have that connection with the archangel. This is because of the presence of the Holy Spirit,” he said, urging the congregation to find strength in their spiritual roots.

The event also featured a sermon from Rev. Dr. Canon Rebecca Nyegenye, the Provost of All Saints Church Cathedral Nakasero, who spoke from John 10:1-11. She described the devil as a thief, killer, and destroyer who seeks to rob God’s children of their joy and purpose.

“We are all soldiers of Christ but armed forces are soldiers of what God has called them for. You battle with people whose bodies the devil has stolen and who have lost purpose in life. But it doesn’t matter where one has reached, the Lord makes His people whole again,” Rev. Nyegenye stated. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to worship alongside the armed forces, not out of necessity, but as a joyful gathering of God’s children.

Group photo of Generals, Senior UPDF Officers, Police and Prisons Senior Officers at the thanksgiving mass in Bugoloobi (Photo: UPDF Press)

The prayer breakfast was attended by a distinguished group of senior and junior officers, including Maj. Gen. (Rtd) David Wakalo, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) David Kasingwa, Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Rebecca Mpagi, Director Defence Public Information Officer Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, Col. Dr. Diam Edimu, Col. Sam Ntambirwe, SSP Don Muhwezi, ASP Joan Nalweyiso, Rev. Tendo Misuseera, Rev. Winfred Tusubira, and many others from the UPDF, Uganda Police Service, and Uganda Prisons Service.

Dr. Nyegenye commended the armed forces for their dedication and urged them to find joy in their divine calling, much like onward Christian soldiers marching with courage and purpose. “Enjoy the work God has given you with exceeding joy, like soldiers of Christ, not just soldiers in this world,” she emphasized, reinforcing the spiritual mission that underpins their service. The prayer breakfast served as a powerful reminder of the spiritual foundation and calling that guides the nation’s protectors, encouraging them to draw strength from their faith as they continue their vital work.

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Stanley Ndawula: Stanley Ndawula is a two and a half decades’ seasoned investigative journalist with a knack for serious crimes investigations and reporting. He’s the Founding Editorial Director and CEO at The Investigator Publications (U) Limited