The Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Luwalira has said that corruption and nepotism are eating up Uganda like a cancer.
Luwalira was on Thursday preaching at the Nakiyanja Anglican Shrine, Namugongo during the Martyrs Day Service.
Martyrs Day is commemorated every 3rd June and in previous years, millions of people from within and outside Uganda thronged both the Anglican and Catholic Shrines to commemorate the 45 martyrs, a brave group of young men who died while defending their faith.
These converted to Christianity between 1885 and 1887 to the annoyance of the then Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda, who ordered that they are burnt to death.
This is the second time the event is celebrated virtually with only 200 guests as the country maintains restrictions on public gatherings as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his sermon, Luwalira said that Ugandans are called to be disciples of the nation by being bold and strong to fight different challenges like killings.
The sermon was delivered under the theme “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.” This is derived from the teaching of John 10:10.
“He came so that he may give his life in its fullness. He who came is the one with power and authority over life and death. His victory over death and other life-threatening issues was at a very high cost. To fight and win the battle against the devil one who comes to steal, to kill and destroy, is a very high price paid not through the blood of animals but the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ,” said Luwalira.
He also appealed to Ugandans to emulate the martyrs who endured the pain as some of their body parts were bring ruthlessly amputated before being thrown into the fire.
“Remember the many people who could gather at these two martyrs sites on 3rd June while some would be very busy praying and studying the word of God, others would be here to make money while others would die in the process of celebrating the life and testimony of the martyrs and others would either be infected with the deadly HIV/Aids,” the Bishop added.
Dr John Mitala the Head of Public Service represented President Yoweri Museveni as Chief Guest. Other guests include Speaker Jacob Oulanyah and several Members of Parliament.
In his speech, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Stephen Kaziimba said that leaders in the country should be driven by the will of God and should work towards having a humane population.
He also appealed to the 11th Parliament to ensure that killings in the country are fully investigated and reports presented to the public as accountability.
Kaziimba’s statement comes two days after gunmen shot at the former Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala’s car, killing his daughter Brenda Nantongo and driver Haruna Kayondo. Gen. Wamala survived with two gunshots in his arms.
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