The Rukungiri Adventist Victory Evangelist Team Association (RAVETA) Choir recently celebrated a remarkable milestone 25 years of dedicated service during a vibrant event held at Rukungiri Main Stadium in the Southern Division of Rukungiri Municipality.
Although officially established in 2000, the choir has roots tracing back to 1988, when it first began its mission to spread the gospel.
Eng. Julius Bagira, an Elder at the Rukungiri Central SDA Church, explained that RAVETA was formed with the primary aim of evangelizing across Uganda under the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Since its inception, RAVETA has made significant contributions to the community, including building houses for the needy, providing financial support for the education of over 50 students, and establishing more than 20 Adventist Churches throughout the Western Region.
The celebration on August 17 was graced by various dignitaries, including Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Bron Kikashemeza, who represented the Guest of Honour, Gen. Jim Muhwezi, Minister of Security and Rujumbura County MP.
Kikashemeza highlighted the health benefits of singing, describing it as a natural stress reliever and noting that singers often enjoy longer, healthier lives. He urged church leaders to promote unity among Christians, cautioning against the divisive tendencies that have emerged in the region.
Bishop Edward Muwanga of the South Western Field Adventist Churches delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the essence of singing as a symbol of fellowship, joy, and victory. He reminded attendees that the celebration was not solely about the choir’s 25 years of service but also about the victories achieved through their music ministry.
Muwanga encouraged choir members to serve with one heart and a fulfilled spirit, producing harmonious and spiritually uplifting music. He also called for unity, love, and cooperation among the congregation to strengthen their ministry.
RAVETA Choir Chairperson Frank Twimukye shared the choir’s aspirations, revealing the need for 45 million shillings to establish a music studio in Rukungiri to reduce on the costs of production.
He noted that the choir has already released seven albums, each featuring eight songs. Twimukye expressed heartfelt gratitude to the choirs from across Western Uganda that attended the celebration, emphasizing their collective mission to spread the gospel through music.
