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Pastor Joseph Serwadda, the head of the Born-again faith in Uganda has vowed to carry on his pastoral work even when it angers certain big persons in the government.
Serwadda said on Monday that he will not be cowed into silence by the recent setback he suffered while preparing for his annual “Passover” prayer event.
Read: New Years' Prayers: Why Pastor Serwadda was denied Namboole Stadium
“I have been speaking for the past 45 years. I am sure in all those years I have annoyed at least one person each year,” he said.
“If therefore someone is trying to hit back at me for the words I have said, they should know that I am not dead yet. They will certainly be angered more.”
The “Passover” event which usually attracts tens of thousands to usher in the new year with prayer, was slated to take place at the Mandela National Stadium today December 31.
Serwadda was, however, denied access to the stadium by unnamed officials, with a few days left until the event.
The pastor says he had spoken to the Junior Sports Minister Peter Ogwang, who guaranteed access.
He also says he contacted “someone senior to Ogwang” who also affirmed that the stadium would be available.
However, days later when he went to Namboole, he was stopped at the gate by the security guard and informed that the venue was no longer available for them.
At the time, preparations were in high gear with some of the stage equipment at the stadium.
Payback for criticism?
It was speculated that Serwadda was denied Namboole stadium, partly because of his recent attacks on the government.
The pastor was vocal during the debate on the controversial National Coffee Amendment Bill.
In one of his sermons, the pastor prayed for God to “get rid of all the people” behind the new law.
The prayer went viral on social media.
New Venue
After the Namboole setback, Serwadda was forced to get another venue at Kabaka's Lake in Ndeeba.
Speaking to NTV yesterday, the pastor said he will never consider Namboole for the annual prayers again.
intofor as long as he lives, he will not relent from commenting on matters that are not going well in the country.
“I have been speaking for the past 45 years. I am sure in all those years I have annoyed at least one person each year,” he said.
“The people who denied us the venue, did so in a very uncivilised manner,” he said.