UGANDA: Churches oppose the proposed registration of religious denominations
After Kenya, Uganda also intends to proceed with the registration
of so-called FBO – Faith Based Organizations. A measure, sponsored by the
department of Ethics and Religious affairs in the President’s Office, which is
strongly contested by the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations.
of so-called FBO – Faith Based Organizations. A measure, sponsored by the
department of Ethics and Religious affairs in the President’s Office, which is
strongly contested by the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations.
“If what we are doing is good, then why should we be
registered? Why should a faith that has been in existence for centuries need an
operation license?” His Exc. Mgr. John Baptist Kauta, Secretary General of
the Uganda Episcopal Conference asked, who describes this government initiative
as suspicious. Msgr. Kauta added that scrutiny needs to be done to establish
the real intentions of political authorities to adopt such a measure.
registered? Why should a faith that has been in existence for centuries need an
operation license?” His Exc. Mgr. John Baptist Kauta, Secretary General of
the Uganda Episcopal Conference asked, who describes this government initiative
as suspicious. Msgr. Kauta added that scrutiny needs to be done to establish
the real intentions of political authorities to adopt such a measure.
Bishop Macleord Baker Ochola, member of the Acholi Religious
Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI) in Uganda, wondered how a 30-year-old
government would regulate religions that have been in existence for centuries:
“Why should a child tell a father how to lead a family? We have been here
for decades. What is the logic behind registering well known religions?”
Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI) in Uganda, wondered how a 30-year-old
government would regulate religions that have been in existence for centuries:
“Why should a child tell a father how to lead a family? We have been here
for decades. What is the logic behind registering well known religions?”
Rev. Canon Aaron Mwesigye, the director of religious affairs in
the President’s Office however cited the objectives of the policy as mediation
and arbitration of religious disputes in the country, help in fighting
corruption, increase relationship between government and FBOs.
the President’s Office however cited the objectives of the policy as mediation
and arbitration of religious disputes in the country, help in fighting
corruption, increase relationship between government and FBOs.
Source: Agenzia Fides
