The First Lady and Minister of Education, Janet K. Museveni, has applauded Watoto Church for its significant contributions to the nation of Uganda over the past four decades.
In her address during the church's 40th-anniversary celebrations on at Kololo Independence Grounds, the First Lady emphasised the church's commitment to loving and giving hope to fatherless children by integrating them into families.
She highlighted how the church's actions exemplify true religion through Watoto Childcare Ministries.
"Thank you, Watoto, for giving to the Lord over the years. Indeed, as James 1:27 teaches us, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure is to look after the orphans and widows in their time of distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world," she said.
She also appreciated Watoto Church's dedication to not only caring for the vulnerable but also mentoring and equipping them to become responsible citizens with integrity and character.
She lauded the church's role in empowering these individuals to transform their lives positively, thus celebrating their impactful work in Uganda.
"I have learnt that your ministry has also empowered more than 6,500 poor and vulnerable women, equipped them with vocational and entrepreneurial skills, instilled godly character in them and given them start-up capital... this means that by improving the lives of women and enabling them to earn a living, you have in actual fact improved the lives of even more children and the orphans that we have talked about," she said.
Speaking as the guest preacher for the anniversary celebrations, former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Bishop Henry Luke Orombi, highlighted the possibility of a peaceful transfer of power in Uganda.
He hailed the church's founders, Gary and Marilyn Skinner, for their exemplary leadership and humility in giving leadership to the young generation.
"Uganda is learning that it is possible to have a peaceful transition from one leader to the next. You (Gary and Marilyn Skinner) have peacefully stepped aside to allow this young, dynamic pastor and his wife to take over as you watch. This is a miracle of the 21st century."
Addressing the exhilarated congregation, Watoto founder Gary Skinner commented, "For the last forty years, we have done our very best to serve the young people of Uganda and to leave them with a vision that says, 'An ordinary young person surrendering to an extraordinary God can do extraordinary things if they will do it for the kingdom of God."'
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"Before I walk off this stage, I have one more thing to say: the best is yet to come. If you think God was good yesterday, look out; there is a today, and there is a tomorrow, and He is the very same God. He can do anything. He is just looking for a generation of young people who will abandon themselves to His plan and His purpose," he said.
Regarding the significance of the 40th anniversary celebrations, Watoto Church's Team Leader, Julius Rwotlonyo, commented: "I want to thank God that we have a huge blessing as Watoto Church. Not many ministries will celebrate their forty years with their founders present. But God has blessed us today that we get to celebrate with our founders, Pastors Gary and Marilyn Skinner, who are with us today. We are also grateful to God for amazing friends worldwide who have come alongside us to build these phenomenal years."
Then Kampala Pentecostal Church (KPC)), Watoto Church Ministries was founded in 1984 by Canadian missionaries Gary and Marilyn Skinner, who led the ministry till February 2023, when Pastors Julius and Vernita Rwotlonyo were commissioned as their successors.
Starting with 75 congregants, the church has grown to a congregation of over 35,000 members on 17 campuses and continues to be a significant partner in Uganda's spiritual and social-economic development. The church has cared for nearly 6,000 orphaned and vulnerable children, rescued babies and former child soldiers, and empowered more than 6,500 vulnerable women to live a sustainable life of dignity.
