Olive Nigesa
Thousands of born-again Christians converged at the Temple Mount Church of All Nations in Mulago Kubbiri today to commemorate Palm Sunday, marking Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
The turnout was unprecedented, with believers from all walks of life gathering to celebrate this significant day on the Christian calendar.
The atmosphere was electric, with worshippers waving palm leaves and singing praises as they reflected on Jesus’ journey to the cross. The event drew massive crowds, causing traffic jams around Kubiri roundabout, the route to Mulago Hospital, and Gayaza Road. Believers on foot, using public transportation, and those trying to exit and enter the gate caused commotion and congestion around the church area.
Many attribute the yearning to join fellow believers to celebrate Palm Sunday to the miracles and breakthroughs as biblically ordained. “On this day, a lot of miracles and breakthroughs happen to us,” said Namudu Goretti, a born-again Christian. “That’s why the congestion is so bad – no follower of the Kakande ministry can afford to miss the anointing of the way to the cross.”
Vendors selling palm tree branches were overwhelmed by demand. One seller, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “We really make a lot of money, and I regret bringing a few palm tree branches because the demand was beyond what I had in stock. People were fighting for the palm leaves, and I would even forget some of the people I had given branches to who hadn’t yet paid me.”
Tushabe Mercy, one of the lead ushers, described Palm Sunday as a day “full of fresh oils and fresh anointings.” “It is always a busy day for us, we really have a lot of work to do – helping believers who fall under the power during deliverance, giving proper seating direction, taking care of the children during the service, and being alert in times of any emergency or need in the congregation.”
Crowds come with security caution, and for Odoi Simon Peter, a security officer at the gate, it was not business as usual, but emphasis was on securing the premises. “We do our best to ensure no one loses their property during the service and everyone’s safety at large,” he said. “We also help control traffic after the service to reduce traffic jams and unnecessary accidents while people on foot cross.”
Palm Sunday is celebrated among Christians in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem a week before his crucifixion and death. This significant day marks the beginning of Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday.
Books indicate that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, symbolizing peace and humility, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9.
The crowd welcomed him with palm branches and cloaks, shouting “Hosanna” and “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
This event is recorded in the four canonical Gospels: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19.
Christians believe, Palm Sunday signifies Jesus’ arrival as the Prince of Peace, not a war-waging king. The palm branches represent victory and peace, reflecting Jesus’ ultimate victory over death and sin.
