Museveni to buy robes for African bishops
Vice president Ssenkandi (C) with bishops at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine on Monday. URN photo
President Yoweri Museveni has promised to buy vestments and robes for African bishops who are scheduled to attend the symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) next month in Kampala, Uganda.
The meeting will mark the golden jubilee of SECAM.
Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, the Archbishop of Kampala says Mr Museveni confirmed the pledge in a communication to the Uganda Episcopal Conference.
Dr Lwanga said buying the vestments will be Mr Museveni’s contribution towards the golden jubilee celebration.
He, however, did not reveal the cost of the clerical dresses to thousands of Christians who attended mass in honour of Uganda Martyrs at Namugongo on Monday.
“We urge you to pray for us as we prepare for that golden jubilee celebration and the meeting. It will also climax with a celebration here at Namugongo on July 29th,” he said.
In a speech that was delivered by vice president Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, Mr Museveni compared the courage of the Uganda Martyrs to that of fighters of the National Resistance Army during the Luweero triangle bush war.
Mr Museveni led the armed group that captured power in 1986 after a bloody war.
He urged the clergy to preach hard work among Christians saying that prosperity miracles cannot come without work.
Mr Museveni paid tribute to four pilgrims from Kenya who were knocked dead by a motorist while trekking to Namugongo.
“That is something which could have been avoided if the driver was not reckless. As government of Uganda, we condemn it and pray for their families,” he said.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda Archbishop Luigi Bianco, who is celebrating the Uganda Martyrs Day for the first time in Uganda following his recent appointment, said witnessing the faith of the young martyrs at the beginning of evangelisation in Uganda is a great example for all Christians.
“The question may arise. From where did they receive the strength and the courage of fidelity to the gospel until the offering of their young lives? The answer is their fidelity was the gift of the Holy Spirit. Hence, these martyrs invite us to trust in God and also teaches us that it is possible to accomplish the will of God even in difficult situations,” he said.
