The Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere has condemned violence that is always exhibited in Parliament.
Archbishop Ssemogerere borrowed Pope Francis’ message for peace saying violence breeds violence and that an institution like Parliament responsible for formulating laws that govern society to lead in abusing them leaves a lot to be desired from the so called honourable members.
This was in relation to the November 6th incident where Parliament’s plenary session that convened to debate the National Coffee Amendment Bill was disrupted after an altercation between the Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake and his Kilak North counterpart Anthony Akol.
The Opposition Members of Parliament had mobilized to block the third reading of the Bill but they were unsuccessful as the Bill was passed and led to the dissolution of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) with its functions transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
Archbishop Ssemogerere said this as he led the celebrations for the 60th anniversary since the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs at the Munyonyo Martyrs Minor Basilica that was animated by a youth choir comprised of members from all the dioceses within Kampala Ecclesiastical Province.
The congregation was also a pilgrimage for the faithful from the dioceses within Kampala Ecclesiastical Province which include; Kasana-Luweero, Kiyinda-Mityana, Masaka, Lugazi and Kampala Archdiocese on this day November 15th the date when the first Catholic Martyr Saint Joseph Musaka Balikuddembe was killed in 1885 at present day St. Balikuddembe market (former Owino market) on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda Kingdom.
The Archbishop encouraged the congregation to emulate the Uganda Martyrs’ selfless witness which inspires many to witness Christ.
He adds that this calls for self reflection on the vices that are killing the country and the world at large which include; corruption, domestic violence, homosexuality, land evictions, cheating by the business community and during examinations among others.
Archbishop Ssemogerere used the same opportunity to warn those who are encroaching on church land like a group of individuals who claim ownership of the piece of land housing the memorial site of Saints Balikudembe and Atanansius in Kampala.
The celebration was attended by the Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference Dr. Joseph Antony Zziwa also the Ordinary of Kiyinda-Mityana diocese, Bishop Lawrence Mukasa of Kasana-Luweero, Msgr. Richard Kayondo the Vicar General of Lugazi diocese, the Pastoral Coordinator of Masaka diocese Rev. Fr. James Ssendege and Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, the Pope Nuncio Emeritus among other priests.
By Gideon Peter Ssebulime
15 Nov 2024
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