Neglecting human rights is a time bomb, Archbishop Lwanga warns

The Archibishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga (C), chats with Buganda premier Peter Mayiga and Vice President Edward Ssekandi (R) after Christmas prayers at Rubaga Cathedral on Wednesday. photo by FAISWAL KASIRYE

What you need to know:

The cleric blamed the power struggles in the city on the Kampala Capital City Authority Act.

Kampala.

The Archbishop of Kampala Diocese, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, has warned that Uganda is seated on a “time bomb” if issues of human rights and good governance, among others, are not given due attention.

Preaching at Rubaga Cathedral, Archbishop Lwanga said people’s rights must be guaranteed so that they do not “rise up” to demand for them.
“There are some special concerns which need our attention. These may seem obvious but are a time bomb to our country if not addressed,” Dr Lwanga said.
The prelate blamed the mess in Kampala on what he described as ‘bad Kampala Capital City law’ that creates a power struggle by the four power centres.

“How can you have four power centres that include the mayor, the executive director, the Minister for the Presidency and five Resident City Commissioners all governing and advising the President on issues of Kampala without consulting each other?” Dr Lwanga asked.
“If I have been elected by the people, why allow another [unelected] person to dictate over me? I am aggrieved by the mess in Kampala and we must find a solution,” he added.
His remarks follow the controversial impeachment of the Lord Mayor, Mr Erias Lukwago, in a council meeting convened by the Kampala Minister, Mr Frank Tumwebaze, last month.
Mr Tumwebaze maintains that he did everything according to the KCCA Act.
The cleric also denounced domestic violence, homosexuality, witchcraft, corruption and promiscuity, saying they are being practiced unabated.

Commenting on the ongoing fighting in South Sudan, the Archbishop called for dialogue and also reminded the Ugandan government to grant Mengo a federo status.
In Kasana-Luweero, the Diocesan Bishop Paul Ssemogerere, appealed to security organs and the public to respect human life.

“It is very disturbing to see pictures of people being manhandled and thrown on to pickups just like firewood. Our security organs need to act with restraint. It is bad for our children to see images of people thrown around like commodities. This level of violence must stop,” Bishop Ssemogerere said.
He appealed to families to always resolve differences peacefully without resorting to violence, which is on the increase in many parts of the country.