Good Friday program for churches

Christians mark the Way of the Cross in Kampala last year. Christians will today gather at different places before walking to Nakivubo Stadium. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA

Kampala.
Thousands of Ugandans are expected to join their Christian colleagues worldwide in commemorating the Way of the Cross.

The Good Friday ritual, which is a modern day re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, 2014 years ago, precedes the Easter weekend.
In Uganda, like in many parts of the world, volunteers carry huge wooden crosses and some offer themselves to be whipped, or even nailed on the cross, to share in the pain Jesus underwent for their salvation.
Religious leaders often lead the processions, with especially Catholics reciting the rosary in silent walk.

Later in the evening, the Christians will converge at churches as clerics lead them through a ritual of Jesus’ re-enacted death.

At a press conference in Kampala yesterday, Rev Fr Silvester Arinaitwe, the executive secretary of the Uganda Joint Christian Council, said believers from different Christian denominations will gather at 12 designated places in the city prior to a joint procession.

The event under the theme, ‘Has Christ been divided?’ will bring together Roman Catholics, the Anglicans and Orthodox Christians under stewardship of their top clerics to converge at Nakivubo Stadium.

“We have discussed with the Police to guide and control traffic flow on all the 12 routes. But also the issue of security will be handled to avoid incidents of violence and insecurity,” said Rev Fr Arinaitwe.

Fr Arinaitwe also asked Ugandans to utilise the Easter season for personal reflection, especially about the significance of Jesus’ suffering, his death and his eventual resurrection from the dead.

He identified Uganda’s key problems as poverty, corruption, gender-based violence and political intolerance as well as the new threat of secularism.

“Let us not fear the challenges posed by secularism. Let us as Ugandans confront them with the power of love and with our heads high,” he added.
The processions to Nakivubo stadium

All Saints Church, Nakasero will be led by Archbishop Stanley Ntagali.
Christ the King Church will be led by Msgr Gerald Kalumba.

Mulago Catholic Parish, Mulago Hospital and Makerere University routes will be led Bishop Edward Baharagate.

St Nicholas Namungoona will be led by Metropolitan Jonah Lwanga

At Namirembe Cathedral, Bishop Kityo Luwalira will lead procession

Rubaga Cathedral procession will be led by Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.

Other areas for Christians to converge include Nsambya, Kibuye and Mbuya.