Leaders told to learn from the Papal kiss

Humility. Pope Francis kisses the feet of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, at the end of a two-day ecumenical retreat at the Vatican on Thursday. He also repeated his wish to visit the country along with other religious leaders to solidify the peace. PHOTO AFP

What you need to know:

  • The State Minister in-charge of Veteran Affairs, Maj Bright Rwamirama, who was the chief guest at the event organised by Abashambo clan of Ankole, congratulated Mbarara Christians for organising the ceremony.

Kampala. The Bishop of Kasana Luweero Diocese, Rt Rev Paul Ssemwogerere, has told all leaders to develop a sense of humility just like the Pope when serving their communities towards creating peaceful societies.
While presiding over the animated Palm Sunday prayers for the Archdiocese of Mbarara Community at Kitante Primary School in Kampala yesterday, Bishop Ssemwogerere, said Pope Francis last week knelt down to kiss the feet of South Sudanese leaders for the sake of peace. He told people to emulate reconciliation in society.

“Watching the video of Pope Francis struggling to kiss the shoes of the leaders of South Sudan, touched me. kneeling to kiss their shoes is a sign of humility and he has given us a message,” he said.
Bishop Ssemwogerere said religious leaders should stop preaching academic sermons but ensure people understand what Jesus expects of them.

In attendance. Ms Rosemary Nyakikongoro (right), the former Sheema District woman Member of Parliament, standing next to a UPDF soldier who was among the Christians gracing the animated Palm Sunday prayers at Kitante Primary School IN Kampala yesterday. PHOTO BY STEPHEN OTAGE

“A white Bishop kissing black leaders who are often considered hard hearted, undignified people, it is a message we should reflect upon during this last week of lent,” he added.
The State Minister in-charge of Veteran Affairs, Maj Bright Rwamirama, who was the chief guest at the event organised by Abashambo clan of Ankole, congratulated Mbarara Christians for organising the ceremony.
He said besides organising the prayers, the Christians can still use the same community gatherings to spur other development initiatives in Ankole Sub-region.

“I admire this project right from the beginning and I am happy that we are starting to identify ourselves so as not to make mistakes. The Abashambo clan members are in DR Congo, Tanzania and Uganda and we are the same,” he said.