Uganda to hold memorial service for Raila at All Saints Cathedral Kampala
A special memorial prayer service in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be held at All Saints Cathedral Church in Uganda on Tuesday.
The service will be held at the All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, in Kampala from 9am.
“A time of prayer, reflection, and unity in support of a Pan-African statesman,” the notice making the announcement reads in part.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev Dr Steven Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, will lead the service.
Among those invited for the service are Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, former Prime Minister of Uganda and Captain Mike Mukula, National Chairman, Pan African Movement Uganda Chapter.
“Special thanks to Captain Mukula, Baba’s friend, and the team for this honour. We are grateful,” ODM said in a message posted on X.
A similar service was held at Nyayo National Stadium, where thousands of Kenyans convened to pay their final respects to the Raila, the veteran opposition leader and long-serving statesman whose death has left a deep void in Kenya’s political landscape.
The national memorial service, organised by the government in collaboration with ODM, drew leaders from across the political divide, diplomats, and dignitaries from within and outside the country.
President William Ruto, who led the nation in mourning, described Raila as a “towering figure in Kenya’s democracy” and lauded him for dedicating his life to public service and the pursuit of justice.
“Raila taught us that politics is not about self, but about service. His courage, resilience, and patriotism shaped the democracy we enjoy today,” Ruto said, pledging that his administration would honour Raila’s legacy by upholding national unity and inclusivity.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, a longtime ally and political rival of Raila, spoke emotionally of their partnership and reconciliation following the 2018 “handshake.”
He recalled Raila’s statesmanship in choosing peace over conflict. “We did not always agree, but Raila Odinga believed that Kenya was greater than all of us. The handshake was not about power—it was about healing a nation,” Uhuru said.
ODM leaders, led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, reaffirmed their commitment to carry forward Raila’s vision.
“Baba may be gone, but his dream of a just, equal, and united Kenya lives on through us,” Wanga said, urging unity within the ODM family.
Regional leaders and representatives from the African Union also attended the service, underscoring Raila’s stature as a continental figure.
Religious leaders led prayers for peace and national cohesion, calling on Kenyans to emulate Raila’s selfless service.
