In Awe… a firm foundation

Posted on July 1, 2014

I am in awe of my City’s Executive Director, Jeniffer Semakula Musisi.

Its been 3 years since she’s stepped into office. Kampala has started to feel like a city. There’s a lot of things that have been said, about her style of work and her methods. I listened to her one day, when she pleaded her case before Kampalans – we had forgotten what the difference was, between right and wrong. We had lived for so long in a dysfunctional city, that we had become used to it.

Today, I exchanged emails with the ED, and i learned something new. In her email signature, just below her name was a scripture. So i dug it up –

Ezekiel 36:33-36 New International Version (NIV)

33 “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. 34 The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it. 35 They will say, “This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.” 36 Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the Lord have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.’

Yes, its common knowledge that the ED is a bible professing christian, and so you can expect some biblical influences in her life. Uganda is said to be over 60% christian, but when you walk through Kampala, and see how we drive, and where we trash, you have to wonder if any of the biblical influences of stewardship have infiltrated our hearts.

So, this is why am in awe, that my city’s ED is influenced by a passage of scripture that brings hope to a city in ruins like Kampala! Is it the reason she fearlessly goes about her work? Indeed, Kampala is shaping up and is looking more beautiful and inhabited by the day.

The neglected land will be worked again, no longer overgrown with weeds and thistles, worthless in the eyes of passersby. People will exclaim, “Why, this weed patch has been turned into a Garden of Eden! And the ruined cities, smashed into oblivion, are now thriving!” Ezekiel 36:33-36 (The Message Bible)

Thats how the Message Bible puts it.

There is an air of hope and optimism about this city. I dont think its enough for one woman (even at the helm) to be greatly inspired to make this city liveable and thriving, its time for each one of us to ask ourselves – what will your role be in rebuilding this city? You may not be equally inspired by the Bible, but what is it you commit to do in making this city grow and prosper?

Jennifer Semakula Musisi will rally us towards a better city, but the bigger challenge is how many of us (christian or not) will choose to walk with her, as we make this city the best place to raise our children’s children!

I will, what about you?!