Release all arrested during demonstrations… Archbishop Kizito Lwanga

By Valerian Kkonde

PEARL NEWS SERVICE

Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, has called upon government to release all people who have been arrested during demonstrations that continue to rock the country.

The Archbishop made this appeal on October 30, 2011 during the Archdiocesan Day celebrations at Lubaga Cathedral.

“Celebrating last year, around this time, there was tension as we were approaching the general elections. The elections were conducted peacefully but what followed is absurd.

Protests are not good and they should not be continued as they cause danger to the people.

“Those dealing with protests need to be humane. The people you are beating are the ones who elect you and pay your salaries. What a way to reward them!”

The congregation that had packed the Cathedral to capacity roared in thunderous applause as the Archbishop blasted security agencies that have become notorious for excessive human rights abuses. Inspector General of Police- Major General Edward Kalekyezi Kayihura and the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces spokesperson Colonel Felix Kulayigye were some of the security chiefs, and government officials, among the congregation.

Since the general elections that kicked off in February, demonstrations have rocked the country in expression of dissatisfaction with the rulers who continue to load it on the populace. The cost of living is going up every other day and many people cannot afford the basics. But president Museveni and cohorts lead an extravagant lifestyle and are obscenely rich!

As the Archbishop continued with pointing out the ills afflicting the country, he urged all those spying for the government to always tell the truth so as to bring about peace in the country.

“When St. Peter went to Rome after the resurrection, he was greatly hated for talking about the other King- Jesus Christ. King Constantinople deployed very many spies fearing that there was a plot to overthrow him. But the spies rightly told him that Christ was their King, had risen, and was the one being worshipped. 

“The King was so impressed that he converted to Catholicism. He even told them to wear the long hat meant for the king because the one being worshipped was greater than him. Even the tradition of making processions as we go for Holy Mass started from here. All this was possible because of the good spies who were telling the truth.”

Kizito Lwanga also criticized government’s refusal of Chaplains in the armed forces. He said that by accessing the soldiers, they would make them better servants of the country. His Grace based his argument on the fact that “since we have freedom of worship, they need Chaplains.”

Armed forces used to have Chaplains until this government stopped the tradition citing interference. 

Referring to the day’s readings from Malach and 2Thessalonians, His Grace reminded the Christians of their obligation to stick to the leadership of the Church. He warned that “separating from the Pope or the Bishops means you are offside.” He brought the example of Archbishop Milingo to emphasize the consequences, however powerful one may be.

While expressing sadness at the mistakes committed by the clergy, the Archbishop said that it was not right to blame the Pope or the Bishops in turn.

“At Baptism we become God’s children and even promise to remain so at Confirmation. Therefore, when you sin you sin as an individual and should bare responsibility for that.”

Praising Catholic-founded schools and institutions for excelling, and urging the teachers to always be good examples, he reminded the medical staff of the delicateness of their work since “with proper handling of patients the healing process begins immediately.”

Addressing the Christians after Mass, Kizito Lwanga decried the carnage on Uganda’s roads. He added that the motorcycles, popularly called bodabodas, have made the situation worse. He however attributed this to the meager salaries paid to Police, urging the leaders to raise their salaries for better performance. He urged the congregation to always be humble; correct the mistakes made and endeavor to do what is good.

“Even the government officials stealing public funds must return the money to national coffers to be used for the good of all not some select few,” he said to the rapturous applause from the congregation.

The launch of the new English Missal, which will come into use in the coming Lenten Season, was another event of the Celebrations. Fr. Lwegaba, overseer of Liturgy, said that “it is the same Roman Missal but rendering of use of words.” He added that reasons for its preparation included: bringing faithfulness to the basic root of Liturgy, bring faithfulness to the Latin Missal and improvement to the use of the Latin poetry.

During offertory, the IGP donated one Missal to the Cathedral. It costs 420,000 shillings.

This year’s celebrations coincided with the consecration of the Cathedral 86 years ago; it was consecrated on October 30, 1925 by Bishop Stensell. It had been consecrated on the birth day of Cardinal Lavigarie who had sent missionaries to Africa, Uganda inclusive.

The Sacred Heart Cathedral- Lubaga is of great significance not only as the first in the country but because it sits on the former capital of Buganda Kingdom. It was Buganda’s King Muteesa I who invited the Missionaries in 1875. From here, Lourdel Mapeera one of the first five Catholic Missionaries negotiated for permission to preach in the Kingdom.

 King Daudi Chua graced its consecration on a raised throne in the middle of the Cathedral, and everyone could see him. The Archbishop said that he had invited Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II to this year’s celebrations but he is currently out of the country. Such is the bond between the Catholic Church and Buganda Kingdom.

The year-long Rosary Crusade also closed with the return of the Blessed Virgin Mary statue that has been taken around all the parishes in the Archdiocese.  The crusade called for the special recital of the rosary, beseeching the Virgin Mary to bring about peace in the country.

Receiving the statue of the Virgin Mary from his auxiliary, Bishop Christopher Kakooza, the Archbishop said that Catholics mainly love the Virgin Mary because she is the mother of Christ. He then said that those accusing Catholics of adoring statues do so out of ignorance.

“When Mapeera was requesting for permission from the Kabaka to start preaching in the kingdom, Mackay was the interpreter. But Mackay told the Kabaka not to grant Mapeera permission because they worship statues and also refer to the Virgin Mary as the Queen Mother.

“But the Kabaka was excited by the Queen Mother and said that those people will be able to work in Buganda. The misconception of worshiping statues started from here.”

Mackay was the head of the first Protestant missionaries in Buganda who arrived in 1877. Catholic missionaries arrived on February 17, 1879.

Mass was preceded with the opening of the Kampala Archdiocesan Catholic Secretariat offices constructed at a cost of 1.25 billion shillings. It will house all the Archdiocesan offices that have been scattered all over.

“I want to thank you for this splendid work within a short period. Protestants, Muslims, business people and many others outside the country have generously contributed towards this development. We have so far collected 1.1 billion shillings but spent 1.253 billions. We have a deficit of 104 million shillings.”

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His Grace Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga told the congregation that plans to establish an Archdiocesan University at Ggaba Primary Teachers’ College, and to be called Pope Benedict VI Catholic University, were in advanced stages. A radio to be called Munno and a Television station to be called Musizi are the other projects in the offing.

The different Parishes and institutions in the Archdiocese later matched past the Archbishop, the auxiliary Bishop Christopher Kakooza, Bishop Emeritus Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, Bishop Emeritus Albert Edward Baharagate, the Vicar General Msgr. Charles Kasibante and other Clergy; a sign of continued allegiance.

 The Archbishop then treated them to a sumptuous meal. But unlike in the desert when Jesus was followed by a crowd, this time round there were more than twelve baskets left.