Hundreds of Christians, some from as far as Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Sudan, thronged the Namboole Stadium last evening for a crusade against poverty by American evangelist Dr. Creflo Dollar.
The Prosperity For All (Bonna Bagaggawale) crusade also attracted delegations from Kenya, Rwanda and the DR Congo.
Dr. Dollar and his wife Taffi arrived on Tuesday at the invitation of Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre Cathedral. Dollar is expected to meet pastors and government leaders.
The gates opened at around 1:00pm, but the faithful had started lining to enter the stadium from 8:00am. Not even the afternoon drizzle could deter them. When the crusade kicked off at 7:00pm, the 42,000 capacity Namboole was full. Choirs and gospel musicians from South Africa performed at the crusade. They were joined by God’s Fire Band, which is made up of born-again UPDF soldiers.
To avoid the hiccups experienced during the Benny Hinn Crusade about a month ago, the number of entry and security points was increased to 13 rather than just two.
So the visitors did not have to brave the scorching sun for long hours.
Traders out to make a quick buck, camped outside the stadium where they hawked soft drinks and snacks.
The traffic on Jinja Road was very slow, while the stretch from Shell Kireka to the stadium was reserved for vehicles going to the crusade.