Organizers are seeking UGX 1.8 billion to host a major conference featuring American televangelist Benny Hinn, set to take place at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium Namboole on January 31, 2025. The event is anticipated to attract pastors from more than 15,000 Pentecostal churches across Uganda.
The conference will be opened by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni. During a preparatory meeting at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel on October 22, 2024, Miracle Centre Rubaga lead pastor Robert Kayanja announced the financial requirements for the four day event. Kayanja revealed that they need $500,000 (over UGX 1.8 billion) to successfully organize the conference.
Kayanja initiated a fundraising campaign for the conference, pledging $250,000 (approximately UGX 919 million) himself. He urged fellow pastors to contribute generously, emphasizing that their support for God’s work would be rewarded with spiritual blessings. “As church leaders, we need to convert people by convincing, not coercing,” he stated. He further encouraged pastors to demonstrate the strength of the Christian community, especially from the Pentecostal denomination, which has been well established in Uganda since 1972.
The pastor expressed confidence in the growth of the Church in Uganda, citing the country’s freedom of worship as a contributing factor. “We are on the brink of a breakthrough as the numbers of our enemies continue to shrink. Uganda is a better country than it was when Hinn last came here,” Kayanja remarked.
During the same meeting, Apostle Grace Lubega, lead pastor of Phaneroo Ministries International, contributed $30,000 (about UGX 110 million), bringing the total amount raised to $400,000 (approximately UGX 1.47 billion). Lubega highlighted the significance of unity among pastors, stating that it enhances their ability to serve their communities effectively.
Pastor Benny Hinn’s evangelist director, Dr. Marie Doorn, noted that Hinn aims to bring encouragement to the Church during his visit. “He will provide healing, deliverance, joy, and hope,” she said, recalling the pastor’s last visit to Uganda 14 years ago. Doorn also emphasized the importance of unity among church leaders, advocating for a model of love, compassion, and humility.
Apostle Alex Mitala, founder of the Back to the Bible Truth evangelistic mission organization, called for pastors to set aside their differences and support one another. He stressed the importance of collaboration in fulfilling their mission of spreading the gospel. “Do what God called you to do and fulfill His mission. Love and support one another, because nobody can finish the Great Commission alone,” Mitala advised.
Mitala urged pastors to recognize and appreciate the contributions of all ministries, regardless of their location, in order to reduce conflicts within the Pentecostal community. He cautioned that theological disagreements and competition for resources could hinder collaboration and create divisions.
The organizing committee has invited the public to contribute to the success of the spiritual event.\
Source: Ankole Times