Bishop Luwalira says “Gov’t high handedness” should stop

By Musasizi Isaac

Glowing tributes to the Late Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, have dominated the Easter sermons across the country.

At Namirembe Diocese, Fort portal, Masaka, Luwero Anglican and Kasana-Luwero Catholic Dioceses, bishops paid tribute to Archbishop Lwanga.

The Bishop Kityo Luwalira preaching at Namirembe cathedral in prayers also attended by Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda said that the Church of Uganda commiserates with their catholic counterparts.

He said that Lwanga has left a legacy of fighting for human rights and equality although government was yet to pay heed.

“We are preaching but abuses, High handedness and brutal behavior continues,” Luwalira said during a sermon.

Luwalira questioned the continued evil in the country including corruption, hate, tribalism, unfairness, human rights abuses, brutality by security forces, selfishness, domestic violence and others despite the big number of Christians and the ever cropping church buildings in the country.

While leading the Easter Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral in Luwero town, the Kasana –Luwero Diocesan Bishop Paul Ssemogerere said the late Archbishop Dr Lwanga dedicated himself to ensure the diocese which he founded grows.

“Kasana -Luwero diocese is what it is today over the strong foundation laid by the late Archbishop. Christians should always pray for his soul,” Ssemogerere said and reminded Catholics to always be prepared to die in faith and emulate the life of Jesus Christ who defeated death.

Ssemogerere is expected to lead the requiem mass for the late Archbishop at Lubaga cathedral on Monday and Queen of Peace cathedral in Luwero on Tuesday in recognition of Lwanga.

Dr Lwanga was the pioneer Bishop of Kasana-Luweero Diocese that was established on November 30, 1996.  He was elevated and became the Archbishop of Kampala in 2006. As a result, Msgr. Matthias Kanyerezi was appointed Diocesan Administrator for two years until, Rt. Rev. Paul Ssemogerere was consecrated second Bishop of the diocese in 2008.

Across the country Christians have described Dr Lwanga as an advocate of human rights, humble, non-discriminating and a pro-development leader who leaves a behind a good example of God’s servant.

In Luwero, Archibishop Lwanga is remembered for mobilising resources from USA and started HIV/AIDS program to carry out free testing services, fight stigma and create awareness about the virus.

Bishop Eridard Nsubuga of  Luwero Anglican Diocese also conveyed his condolence message to Catholics over what he called the trying and tragic loss of Archbishop Lwanga.

He asked Anglicans to pray to Roman Catholics in this trying moment.

Denes Sekabira the Member of Parliament for Katikamu North County asked Bishops to emulate the Archbishop Lwanga to always speak truth to power.

The late Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga is expected to be buried on Thursday this week according to a tentative program.

The bishop of Fort Portal Robert Muhiira said in a sermon the death of his colleague was a great loss but prayed to God for a peaceful repose of Lwanga.

Additional reporting URN