UGANDA: Bishops Conference Concerned about Evangelization Progress of Catholic Institutions
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
At a recent plenary assembly for members of Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), the bishops concern focused on evangelization through Catholic institutions and their entire progress.
In a statement signed Saturday, June 18, by the chairman of UEC, Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa of Kiyinda-Mityana on the discussions after the plenary it reads in part, “The main concern of the Bishops was evangelization through education, medical, social and economic development. The progress of the institutions, challenges and future plans were noted.”
According to the statement, the bishops shared about the status of the Catholic Church and the Institutions which were established for evangelization.
These institutions meant to assist evangelization in the country include: “the Catholic Secretariat with its departments, the Centenary Bank and Cente Group, the Uganda Catholic Management and Training Centre (UCMTI), and the Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), the Interservice and J.W. Interservices Ltd, the Pax Insurance Ltd, and the Priests’ Medical Scheme.”
During the six-day plenary meeting at St. Augustine Institute (SAI), Nsambya, the bishops discussed various challenges in the country including the impact of climate change calling for “recognition of the dignity of the human person in accordance with the National Constitution, human rights and the teaching of the Church.”
“The Bishops were provided with the opportunity to share their concerns for the economy, industrialization, youth unemployment, refugees and migrants, climate change and its effects in light of the encyclical Laudato Si’ as well as instability and insecurity in some parts of the country,” reads an excerpt of the bishops collective message as they encourage citizens to work in unity and harmony as brothers and sisters in one and undivided nation.
The bishops at the assembly that was opened by the Apostolic Nuncio in Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco, further discussed on the rising cost of living in the country, calling on the government to consider the living conditions of the people.
The June 18 statement “deplored the widespread poverty the soaring of prices and high cost of living” noting that, challenges notwithstanding, they encourage the Ugandan government to continue “in its strategic planning for the betterment of the human condition and life.”
Members of UEC disclosed that next year’s 2023 Namugongo annual pilgrimage will be animated by Jinja Diocese which is part of the Archdiocese of Tororo, Uganda.
Additionally other events in the course of the year include; the beatification of Fr. Giuseppe Ambrosoli at Kalongo, Gulu Archdiocese on 20 November 2022 and St. Mary’s National Seminary, Ggaba to be marked on 12 November 2022.
In conclusion, the bishops agreed “to focus their attention on preparations for the Synod of bishops scheduled to take place in October 2023 in Rome,” as they continue to pray for “the welfare and security of all Ugandan’s inspired by the Gospel teaching and summarized by the principle of “love of neighbour.”
