UGANDA: Kasese Diocese Joins Congo’s Butembo-Beni Diocese in Celebrating Bishop Sikuli’s 25th Anniversary
Kyamanduma Patrick
The Catholic faithful from Diocese of Kasese in Uganda joined their Congolese neighbours in celebrating the episcopal Silver Jubilee for the Bishop of Butembo-Beni-Diocese Msgr. Sikuli Paluku Melichisedech with a call on all Congolese nationals to be united if they are to fail those planning to divide DRC into two separate states.
In his homily while presiding over the 25th Episcopal Ordination silver Jubilee of H.E. Msgr. Paluku yesterday, Cardinal Ambongo asked Christians to emulate the ordinary of Beni-Butembo who has lived an exemplary life.
Cardinal Ambongo called for collaborated effort and prayers among residents in Dr-Congo if they are to fail the proposed plan of dividing their country into two states.
Whereas Bishop Sikulki was celebrating twenty-five years as Bishop Butembo-Beni Diocese the people of Congo were also remembering how they have stayed in war for the last twenty-five years in Conflict.
In 1998 on the Episcopal Ordination day, it’s the same day there was declaration of war in Goma City in North Kivu Province by the negative forces behind split of DRC into two separate states started and about Five Priests have lost life some being kidnaped and others killed in Cold Blood by the Rebels.
The latest priest to be killed was late Rev Fr. Machozi leader of Yira palace and was also Journalist who would keep posting pictures of all the killings that were taking place in DRC.
The Minister of Civilian affairs in DR-Congo Abbe Kilomba who delivered President Felix Tsishekedi’s message asked rebels still hiding in the jungles of DR-Congo to surrender or risk losing their lives.
H.E. Msgr. Sikuli Paluku Melchisedech hailed God for the gift of life emphasized need for unity as one way of restoring peace in Dr-Congo.
The head of delegation from Diocese of Kasese, Rev Fr. Godfrey Baluku Kautha on behalf of Bishop Kibira congratulated Msgr. Paluku for allowing priests from Butembo-Beni Catholic Diocese to work in Uganda.
However, due to some reports of insecurities in some parts of DRC part of delegation from Kasese Diocese in Uganda returned to the Border due to fear for their lives after getting reports that some areas are still having ADF Rebels.
Secretary for Catholic Women Association in the Diocese of Kasese Ms. Katusabe Raphiline was among those who returned when they told them that UPDF is in full charge of Kasindi-Beni territory and that they have not been allowed to take control from Beni-Butembo and this created fear and decided to return back.
Other priests who made it to Butembo includes, Rev Fr. Julius Tsangamubiri, Rev Fr Mariko Bwambale Kyabughawakera and Fr. Anyasio Mbusa.
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