UGANDA: Bishop Muhirwa Calls on Clergy and Religious to be Available for Pastoral Care Mission
Peter Masereka
Rt. Rev. Robert Muhirwa Akiiki, the Ordinary of Fort Portal Diocese has questioned the way some priests have abandoned their pastoral care mission for personal businesses thereby giving room for believers to be swallowed by the world.
In his homily while presiding over Holy Mass during the celebrations of the Uganda Martyrs at Namugongo animated by Fort-Portal Catholic diocese, Bishop Muhirwa who described the Uganda Martyrs as ‘Heroes and Founders’ of renewed Christianity in Uganda, asks priests and the Religious to respond first and be available for the mission of God than fulfilling their individual interests.
He appealed to priests to work toward fulfilling Christ’s mission on earth and guide his followers to their right ways through encouraging the youth, children and adult to join church movements, wondering why even some catholic founded institution have not standing movement.
Rt. Rev Muhirwa who is the Vice Chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference noted that Uganda has been ranked first in East Africa in alcohol consumption, saying its shame for our country to be the first in drinking excessive Alcohol and seventh in African continent the problem he attributed to this to the increased cases of domestic violence, chronicle poverty, teenage pregnancy and other health challenges.
The Prelate said St Charles Lwanga and other Ugandan martyrs should be emulated for their firm stand against alcohol consumption which is not only sinful but dangerous to health.
In his speech, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, the Archbishop of Kampala asked Christians to emulate the unity of participation of Uganda martyrs to massively contribute to the Synod on Synodality for the development of the Church.
President of the Catholic Laity in Uganda Mr. Gervase Ndyanabwo asked Christians to pray through the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs for peace in Ukraine and Russia, as well as Uganda as country and Families.
“Let us fellow pilgrims use this occasion to thank the lord who has brought us this far amidst lockdown and I also wish to asked to pray for the complete end of Covid-19,” he said.
The Ugandan Premier, Rt Hon. Robina Nabanja who represented President Museveni wondered why some misuse Holy place like Namugongo for the person earthly benefits before directing closure of all Discos that was making Noise near Minor Basilica as she quickly asked Ugandans to impress agriculture if they are to fight poverty
Brian Twesige, 14, was recognized as the youngest pilgrim at the Namugongo martyrs shrine after the teenager braved the long holy walk from Fort portal tourism city in Kabarole district to Namugongo shrine for prayers during this year’s Martyrs day celebrations.
Twesige a former hawker turned learner says he went to Namugongo to ask God to give him school fees and also help his mother build a house of their own before thanking the Creator for hearing his prayers to resume studies at St. Peters and Paul’s primary school in Fort Portal City.
Twesige`s decision to join the Holy walk without notifying his family threw his mother into panic, prompting her to make radio announcements for his missing son.
After failing to trace her son, Jacinta Komuhendo decided to travel to Rwibale catholic Parish in Kyenjojo district where the pilgrims had made a stopover, hence reuniting with Twesige who insisted on keeping on with the journey as he pray for intercession of the Ugandan Martyrs into their family needs.
The mother of four children explains that she had stopped Twesige from studying over financial challenges until the first born who is currently in senior three completes his ordinary level.
Immaculate Kobugabe, the Deputy Head teacher of St. Peters and Paul’s primary school, says that the school is ready to support Tweige to complete his primary level education because he is hardworking and a well-behaved child.
