Easter message: Clerics speak out on challenges

“What does it mean? It is not commemorating the day of the past. It is to celebrate that Jesus is always with us hence we should let him enter our hearts and minds, but also emulate him to promote peace, unity, love and reconciliation among ourselves,” Archbishop Bianco said.
At St Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe, Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira asked believers to seek peace despite the growing challenges in the country.

“There are so many troubles that have robbed us of our peace. At this moment, the message of peace requires people to understand Jesus as the master and giver of peace,” Bishop Luwalira said.
At All Saints Cathedral Nakasero, Church of Uganda Archbishop Stanley Ntagali called for measures to end the rampant land grabbing and murders.
“Jesus died that we may enjoy life to its fullness. He gave us peace and life but today, there is no peace in the country because of misery. There is a lot of land grabbing and murders which should stop,” the archbishop said.

Mubende
At Our Lady of Fatima Church in Mubende, the parish priest, the Rev Fr Emmanuel Mwerikande, warned politicians against using hate speech to lure the electorate to vote them in the 2021 election.
“Let us be keen and desist from such politicians with negative propaganda against their opponents and deny them our votes, but focus on those who are explaining to us their good intentions of seeking our votes,” he said.

Masaka
At Kitovu Cathedral in Masaka, Apostolic Administrator Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa condemned the increasing use of family planning among women, saying it is against the Bible teachings.
“Many women say they give birth to children they can cater for. Is that what our parents did or they worked tirelessly for us to live?” Bishop Kaggwa asked.
The bishop asked leaders who have clocked the age of 75 to retire as per the Constitution in order to sustain peace in the country.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court upheld the amendment of the Constitution that removed the clause which barred a person aged above 75 or below 35 from standing for presidency.

Luweero
In Luweero, the Anglican and Catholic bishops of Luweero and Kasana-Luweero dioceses rallied Christians against the persistent corruption that is crippling service delivery.
Bishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kasana-Luweero Diocese said corruption is not only in public places and government offices but has now engulfed the whole country now tagged on unsolicited payments before a service is delivered.
Luweero Diocese Bishop Elidard Nsubuga decried the rising cases of brutality and criminal acts orchestrated by individuals who take drugs.

Mbarara/Ibanda
At Nyamitanga Cathedral, the Parish Priest, the Rev Fr John Baptist Tumusiime, encouraged Ugandans to keep fighting for better causes to help people receive services.
Northwest Ankole Diocesan Bishop Amos Magezi said Ugandans have become more violent in fighting for leadership.

Ntungamo
At St Mathew Cathedral, Kyamate, the Bishop of South Ankole Diocese Nathan Ahimbisibwe asked believers to pray for leaders and the country so that sanity can return in all aspects of life and bring an end to the increasing criminality.
He said leaders need knowledge to handle criminality that has cropped up, which include rape, defilement and incest as well as increasing immorality.

Reported by E. Kasozi, A. Ngwomoya, J. Nnabbaale, S. Otage, G. Mutyaba, K. Atuhaire, Dan Wandera, F. Ainebyoona, E. Karenzi & P. Rumanzi

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