Brand:

• Kitara Religious and Cultural Center
• House of Prayer for all Nations

Reclaiming Our Spiritual Heritage: The Kitara Religious and Cultural Centre – Where Faith and Identity Embrace

When Christianity arrived on the shores of Africa, it brought with it the light of a new faith. Yet, within early missionary circles, a shadow of perception often fell upon our ancestral lands. The notion that Africa was a “dark” continent, devoid of prior religion or knowledge of God, took root. This perspective, and the actions that stemmed from it, were deeply felt by Africans. It seemed as though the very “good news” was being used to declare the superiority of Western values, a claim that tragically justified the European conquest and exploitation of our motherland.

For many, missionaries were not simply introducing a new faith; they were perceived as turning Africans away from the rich tapestry of their own cultures. Their arrogance, in comparing African traditions to a supposedly “superior” Western way of life, further solidified their image as agents of colonization. It felt as though our spiritual foundations were being dismissed, our identity eroded.

In response to this perceived domination, a powerful counter-movement arose from within our indigenous religious and cultural leaders. It was a cry for resistance, a yearning for a spiritual path that truly resonated with the African soul. Western Christianity, in its initial imposition, often failed to meet the deep aspirations of our people. It created a profound void, taking away a religion that was functional, deeply interwoven with our lives, and essential to our well-being.

This perspective often painted Christianity and our vibrant African cultures as opposing forces, locked in a battle for influence. The church stood on one side, and our heritage on the other. Even today, some who adhere strictly to this Westernized view see a constant “war” being waged – a spiritual battle in unseen realms that manifests visibly in our cultural landscape.

This mindset can lead to a rigid separation, restricting the natural interactions of Christians with their own society and culture. It mistakenly frames the Christian life as an escape from the social world, viewing those who celebrate and uphold their African cultures as somehow being in opposition to God.

But this view falls short of truly understanding the heart of African life. It becomes too easy to see fellow Africans as the enemy, rather than recognizing the universal struggle against sin. Our rich African social and cultural contexts are often mistakenly perceived as belonging solely to “unbelievers.”

At the Kitara Cultural and Religious Centre, we hold a different vision. We believe that cultural shifts, even those that arise independently of the church, are not inherently negative. God, in His wisdom, has gifted all people – Christian or not – with the ability to make good and valuable contributions to the cultural realm. We believe that Christians who resist all cultural shifts are often missing a vital truth. Not every aspect of culture is inherently righteous, and the church cannot simply mirror every trend. However, we also recognize that without God as our anchor, culture can easily elevate idols in His place – be it celebrities, politicians, the allure of wealth, or the pursuit of power.

The questions that guide us are profound: Can the church embrace the richness of African culture without also embracing its potential idols? Can one be deeply rooted in African identity and still wholeheartedly practice the Christian faith?

We believe the answer is a resounding YES!

Christians who embrace this possibility hold their cultural context in high esteem. While they may discern aspects that need to be challenged or transformed, they largely see their heritage as an ally, not a threat, to their Christian faith. They often view positive cultural developments as opportunities for the church to engage and offer its unique perspective.

We rightly acknowledge that God designed a world where humanity would create culture, and within that creation, we can often discern genuine aspects of truth, goodness, and beauty.

However, when Christians adopt a mindset that simply seeks to create a “Christianity of culture,” they risk merely affirming existing cultural norms, even those that may contradict core Christian doctrines and moral beliefs.

Christianity in and for Culture: Our Guiding Star

Here at the Kitara Cultural and Religious Centre, we firmly believe that the most fruitful way to understand the relationship between the church and culture is through the lens of “Christianity in and for Culture.” This is the mindset that empowers us to see ourselves as representatives of Christ living fully within our cultural context, for the good of our communities, with lives characterized by both obedience to God and a powerful witness to His love.

As Christians, we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). We represent a different kingdom, a heavenly reality, even as we live amidst the realities of this world.

We recognize that God has established a framework that allows culture to exist, to evolve, and to progress. As human beings, we shape and mold that culture within God’s divine structure. We believe that every cultural context is structurally good – it is part of God’s design for humanity. However, it can also become directionally corrupt, veering away from God’s intended path and towards the worship of idols.

Therefore, our calling as African Christians is to live fully immersed in our cultural contexts (structurally), while actively seeking to steer our cultural realities towards Christ, the ultimate truth, rather than towards the empty promises of idols (directionally).

As Christ’s ambassadors, we are deeply engaged in our culture. We learn its nuances, we understand its language, and we identify its deepest longings. However, everything we do and say ultimately points back to the One we serve. This doesn’t mean we blindly agree with every cultural practice, but it compels us to understand our culture intimately so that we can effectively demonstrate how Christ is the only one who can truly fulfill those often-noble cultural and social desires.

We believe that every facet of human life and culture is fertile ground for Christian witness. Whether it is art, science, politics, or everyday interactions, every dimension of our culture is an arena where we can speak of Christ with our words and reflect Him with our lives. We give thanks to God for the gift of culture and celebrate whatever is good, true, and beautiful within it, while simultaneously striving to redirect what is not good towards Christ and the genuine well-being of our people.

The Kitara Cultural and Religious Centre is inspired by the pivotal roles that culture and religion play in the holistic well-being of individuals and the development of nations. “Culture and religion are strong pillars in people’s lives. They deeply influence our values, our hopes, and our entire worldview.”

Our vision is to cultivate a vibrant religious and cultural sector that is deeply spiritual, professional in its approach, creatively expressive, and economically viable, all contributing to the spiritual, social, and economic flourishing of the people in the Kitara region and beyond. We are dedicated to making Kitara a significant hub for religious and cultural development in Uganda, guided by our core values of stewardship, respect, shared leadership, transparency, accountability, continuous learning, and collaborative spirit.

We believe that the house of God, the Church, was never intended to be divided by denominations. Here at the Kitara Cultural and Religious Centre, we joyfully receive all people, regardless of their religious affiliations. As Galatians 3:28 reminds us: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” We extend this truth to say: there is neither Catholic nor Anglican, neither Pentecostal nor Seventh Day Adventist, neither Orthodox nor Lutheran – for in Christ Jesus, we are all one. And as Jesus prayed in John 17:11: “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you, Father. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.”

Our African spirituality inherently understands that faith touches and informs every aspect of human existence. Religion is not a separate compartment but is deeply interwoven with the everyday, the mundane.

In fact, the very word “religion” can be limiting for many Africans, as it often implies a separation from other vital aspects of our culture, society, and environment. But for us, faith can never be divorced from these fundamental elements. It is a way of life, inseparable from the public sphere. Religion shapes everything in traditional African society, from political structures and artistic expression to marriage customs, healthcare practices, diet, dress, economic activities, and even our understanding of death.

Our cultural heritage carries immense significance for our identity, and our religious heritage, in its diverse forms, shapes our spiritual journey.

At the Kitara Cultural and Religious Centre, the religious and cultural aspects of life are not separate but are lived out in a dynamic interplay. Here, you will find qualified leaders in both cultural and religious affairs – prophets, prayer warriors, and counselors, whom we affectionately call “Abahereza” (those who serve). Those who come seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance are the believers, the “Abatabaazi” (those who seek and find).

A Glimpse into the Heart of Kitara Cultural and Religious Centre:

1. House of Prayer (Hekaru): A Sanctuary for All Nations: This is a welcoming space for prayer for everyone, regardless of their individual faiths or denominations. We are intentionally non-denominational, focusing on the core truths of faith rather than specific denominational doctrines. Our temple is a place of worship, prayer, and the teaching of both biblical and culturally relevant religious wisdom, guided by our prophets (Nabbi, Abarangi, and prayer warriors).
2. Devotion and Deliverance House (Eitambiro): A Space for Personal Transformation: Here, individuals engage in deep self-reflection, confessing their lives before God, offering their “ebitambo” (sacrifices/offerings), and praying for healing – both physical and spiritual. It is a place for profound contemplation on God’s commandments and for making renewed commitments for one’s life, guided by personal conviction rather than external directives.
3. Consultation and Counseling House (Nyaruju): Seeking Wisdom and Guidance: In the privacy of “Nyaruju,” individuals meet with the Prophet to share their life experiences, challenges, illnesses, and hardships. Drawing upon God-given wisdom and revelations, the Prophet offers guidance and helps visitors navigate their difficulties. He possesses the ability to discern conflicts within one’s ancestral spiritual realm, address misfortunes, and offer insights into the future – our own form of African wisdom and understanding. The Prophet utilizes the Bible and traditional tools to provide comprehensive counseling and support.
4. Ancestral Spiritual Centre (Ebigabiro): Honoring Our Lineage: Individuals enter this sacred space according to their clan affiliations. Within, you will find spiritual symbols such as trees and stones that hold significance for blessings and the warding off of misfortune. Here, individuals connect with their ancestral spirits, seeking guidance and protection. The space is cared for by accredited and respected diviners. Within this space, there are no prescribed rituals; you pray directly to God, the Creator, through your ancestral angels and the heavenly messengers. You confess, seek harmony with your ancestors, and present your needs to God.
5. Kitara Traditional Health Care Centre: This centre houses a rich collection of traditional and herbal medicines. Accredited and licensed traditional healers, including diviners, offer their expertise and services. People consult on various illnesses, and the healers are able to diagnose and administer appropriate treatments rooted in our ancestral knowledge.
6. Kitara Traditional Sauna (Embiranyungu): A Healing Tradition: The traditional sauna, “Embiranyungu,” is a historical medicinal practice. Boiling medicinal herbs release potent steam known to treat a wide range of ailments, from common allergies to cardiovascular issues. Accompanied by the fragrant herbal steam, this practice provides profound relief to those who visit. Here, the cultural stories and significance of the sauna are shared.
7. Medicinal Plant Garden: A diverse array of carefully selected medicinal herbs, trees, and grasses are cultivated throughout the garden and compound. People come to learn about the healing properties of these plants, which form the primary resources for the health care centre.
8. Kitara Craft Centre: This vibrant space showcases the rich artistry of our people, featuring household utensils, intricate wood carvings, traditional clothing, pottery, blacksmithing, barkcloth creations, and a variety of musical instruments. The craft makers themselves are present to share the stories behind their creations.
9. Kitara Traditional Food Centre: Here, you can experience the flavors of traditional Kitara cuisine, with offerings such as “obutuzi,” “omukaro,” millet dishes, “firinda,” honey, indigenous tea plants, ghee, and a variety of traditional drinks like “Bushera,” milk, “tonto,” and “omuramba.” The stories and cultural significance of each food and drink within traditional African society are shared.
10. Kitara Library and Bookshop: This space houses both ancient and contemporary works by Kitara writers, documenting our rich cultural and religious history. Information is also available in audio and video formats. Here, you will also find a captivating cultural and religious storyteller, keeping our oral traditions alive.
11. Kitara Cultural and Gospel Entertainment: Various cultural troupes regularly perform at the centre, sharing the Kitara story through music and dance. A harmonious blend of cultural and gospel entertainment enriches the lives of all who visit.
12. Kitara Cultural and Religious Tours: Significant cultural and religious sites throughout the Kitara region have been meticulously documented. Knowledgeable tour guides are available to plan enriching journeys across the region.
13. Kitara Tribe and Clan Associations: Individuals from different tribes within Kitara and beyond, as well as various clans, are encouraged to form associations and clubs, which are coordinated here. Led by tribal and clan heads, these associations can engage in various developmental activities, such as savings initiatives.
14. Camp Fire (Ekyooto): The Heart of Our Storytelling: The Kitara region holds unique cultural traditions. While written information and books exist, there is a deeper way of learning here. We gather under the ancient trees, around the crackling campfire, bathed in the moonlight. The storyteller weaves tapestries in our minds with their words, accompanied by art, cultural dance, and music. Around the campfire, we engage in Bible studies, sing praises, offer our prayers, and connect with our ancestral spirits. Children listen intently as adults share wisdom through idioms and “ebyevugo” (praise poems), relating to the characters in the tales and embracing the gentle rhythm of the songs and words that ignite their imaginations and possibilities for life.

The Kitara Cultural and Religious Centre is more than just a place; it is a movement – a vibrant embrace of our African identity and our Christian faith, where the wisdom of our ancestors walks hand-in-hand with the transformative power of the Gospel. Come, discover the richness and wholeness that awaits you here.