Uganda Revenue Authority Takes Out Full-Page Newspaper Ad to Congratulate Museveni’s Daughter on Becoming Bishop

KAMPALA, Uganda The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has taken out a full-page newspaper advertisement congratulating President Yoweri Museveni's daughter, Pastor Patience Rwabwogo , on her consecration as an Episcopal Bishop. The conspicuous congratulatory message appeared in the Weekend Vision newspaper as part of a special publication marking the consecration. Under the headline “Congratulations Pastor Patience on Your Episcopal Consecration,” URA's management and staff extended their wishes to Rwabwogo as she assumed her new religious role. “On the joyous occasion of your consecration as Bishop, the Management and Staff of the Uganda Revenue Authority extend our heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes,” the message reads. URA described Rwabwogo's elevation as recognition of her faith, leadership and commitment to Christian ministry. The tax authority further prayed for wisdom, strength and good health for the President's daughter as she takes on her new responsibilities. The advertisement concludes with another congratulatory message to Bishop Patience Rwabwogo , signed by the management of the Uganda Revenue Authority. The decision by a government tax collection agency to purchase prominent newspaper space celebrating a religious milestone involving a member of Uganda's First Family is likely to attract public interest, particularly over the relationship between state institutions and prominent political families. The advertisement does not state how much URA paid for the full-page placement. Rwabwogo is one of the daughters of President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni and has for years been involved in Christian ministry. She leads Covenant Nations Church in Luzira, Kampala, which is marking its 20th anniversary alongside her elevation to Episcopal Bishop. Ahead of the consecration, President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni hosted international evangelist Bishop Dr LaDonna C. Osborn at State House Entebbe. Osborn travelled to Uganda for Rwabwogo's consecration. Rwabwogo's relationship with Uganda's First Family has inevitably placed greater public attention on an otherwise religious event. The URA advertisement is particularly striking because the authority is a taxpayer-funded public institution responsible for assessing and collecting government revenue. While public institutions routinely publish congratulatory messages marking major national events and achievements, URA's decision to dedicate a full newspaper page to the President's daughter's church elevation could raise questions about the expenditure involved and the criteria used by government agencies when purchasing such advertisements. There is, however, no information in the advertisement indicating whether the placement formed part of a broader institutional advertising campaign or how the expenditure was approved. The full-page message nevertheless adds a distinctly governmental presence to celebrations surrounding Rwabwogo's elevation, turning what would ordinarily be a church affair into an event receiving recognition from one of Uganda's most important state agencies.
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