Way of the Cross: Ugandan Church leaders condemn gun violence, corruption

In Kampala, the leaders of the Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox churches processioned on the city streets before convening at Old Kampala for prayers.

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu led the Anglican procession from All Saints Church Nakasero through the city center up to Old Kampala.

Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere led the catholic group from Rubaga while Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi of the Orthodox Church led his procession from Namungona.

Along the way, the teams made several stops to preach and pray for the people in downtown Kampala.

At the Old Kampala Primary School playground, the clerics read out a joint statement condemning the recent spate of gun-related murders and calling on the government to address them.

“We have seen an increase in gun violence since the start of the year. We ask the Police’s CID to do their work so that the murderers can be found and justice can prevail,” the statement read in part.

Among the recent gun-related incidents was the shocking assassination of Daniel Bossa, the head of Buganda’s Ndiga clan who was gunned down near his home at the end of February this year.

Meanwhile, the Church leaders also addressed the corruption concerns in government institutions, including the Parliament of Uganda.

Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere pulse uganda

“According to the NRM’s 10-point program, corruption is one of the vices that was identified to be fought by the government. But unfortunately, it is rapidly spreading in the country, penetrating every aspect of our lives,” said Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu,

“Social services have stagnated due to corruption. We appeal to the government to look for strategies to fight this vice,” he added.

The church leaders also called for the government to address other persisting concerns including land grabbing and environmental degradation.