Police, army and URA lead national prayer

Kampala

The UPDF, Police and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) were among the notable government departments that led Ugandans in the National Day of Prayers yesterday in Kampala.

Brig. Charles Angina, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, asked God to forgive the past and current army for atrocities committed. “God, forgive us for the sins of corruption and other evils that are practiced in all armed forces in Uganda,” Brig Angina said. He also prayed for peaceful 2011 elections, adding that UPDF’s presence in Somalia is not only meant to bring peace but to spread its culture of prayer across the region.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Julius Odwe delivered the longest prayer and denounced all evils in society. The URA chief, Ms Allen Kagina, asked all her staff to repent of any corrupt dealings they have been involved in especially undue collection of taxes, which she said has hindered the transformation of the economy.

President Museveni last week declared a national day of prayers, citing the need for repentance following increase in corruption and other vices. The army and police have been put on the spot over alleged abuse of human rights through existence of torture houses and corruption respectively.
Ethics Minister James Nsaba Buturo castigated senior government officials for involving in corruption.

“We have sometimes promoted wickedness and injustice in the Executive arm of government for personal benefits. Some of us are engaged in double standards and lip service and we have become vulnerable to evils,” Dr Buturo said. President Museveni, ,who presided over the prayers, said Uganda is composed of 85 per cent Christians and 12 per cent Muslims but witchcraft is still rampant.

Unrighteousness reigns
“I thought 97 per cent religiousness in a country is a sign of righteousness but human sacrifice, superstition, prostitution, greed, and embezzlement of public funds are still high,” Mr Museveni said. He said despite Uganda being endowed with natural resources, they are not utilised to improve the economy. “I call upon everyone to repent so that we cleanse our nation,” the President said.

The function was attended by opposition politicians including leader of opposition in Parliament, Prof Morris Ogenga Latigo and FDC’s secretary general Alice Alaso among others. Religious leaders like Mufti Shaban Mubajje, Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, Metropolitan Jona Lwanga, Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi also attended.