Kigezi clergy use Easter to denounce corruption, violence

As Christians across Uganda gathered to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, religious leaders in the Kigezi sub-region used the occasion to issue passionate calls for moral reform, unity, and national healing.

Central to their messages was a strong rebuke of corruption, domestic violence, poor governance, and the breakdown of societal values, with leaders urging the faithful to return to principles of faith, integrity, and love.

Delivering his Easter sermon at St Peter’s Cathedral, Rugarama, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, strongly condemned what he described as the growing culture of corruption in Uganda. His message, delivered to hundreds of congregants gathered at the hilltop cathedral in Kabale Municipality, was rooted in the Easter themes of renewal and accountability before God.

“Uganda must return to the foundational national motto—‘For God and My Country’. This is a call to live godly lives that detest corruption in all its forms. The current trend, where public resources are misused and national values are trampled, must end,” Bishop Akanjuna said.

Uganda currently ranks 140th out of 180 countries on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, indicating deep-rooted systemic corruption. The country’s worst ranking was 151 in 2016, a stark contrast to its best score of 43 in 1996.

Bishop Akanjuna noted that the current trend reflects not just institutional failure but a moral decay that can only be addressed through spiritual revival and personal commitment to integrity.

“Easter should remind us that we are called to live lives that please God. Christ gave up His life so that we could be freed from sin. What excuse do we have to wallow in the darkness of corruption?” the Bishop asked.

Lawyers, politicians join call for ethical revival

Adding his voice to the Easter message, prominent lawyer Dan Musinguzi Nabaasa urged Christians to use the holy season to seek God’s intervention in their daily affairs.

He emphasised that human beings are custodians of God’s creation and should uphold justice and honesty in their lives.

“Christians should dedicate this season to prayer, family healing, and moral restoration. We must live as responsible stewards, preserving harmony within homes and society,” Nabaasa said.

He also addressed the pressing issue of domestic violence, a social ill he said continues to destroy families in the region.

“Domestic violence is tearing families apart. It is time we chose peace, love, and respect over anger and violence. A strong family builds a strong community,” he noted.

He called on couples to embrace dialogue and mutual respect, stressing that real men do not beat their wives—and vice versa.

“Men and women must uplift each other rather than tear each other down,” he added.
As a gesture of support for the Church’s development efforts, Nabaasa donated 100 bags of cement and pledged an additional 100 for an upcoming fundraising drive. His donation was warmly received by Bishop Akanjuna and other Church leaders, who praised the lawyer for his consistent support of Church causes.

Christians attend the Easter Sunday service at Rugarama Cathedral in Kabale. (Credit: Job Namanya)

Church leaders call for reflection, sobriety

Elsewhere in Kabale, religious leaders echoed similar calls for renewal and spiritual focus. Preaching at St James Kijuguta Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon Erasmus Turyatunga, the former diocesan secretary of Kigezi, reminded Christians that Easter is a time of forgiveness and reconciliation.

“Christ forgave even those who persecuted Him. As His followers, we are called to do the same—not only in words but in action,” he said.

Canon Turyatunga encouraged believers to forgive those who have wronged them, emphasising that forgiveness is key to spiritual growth and societal peace.

At Bubaare Archdeaconry, Ven. Oscar Mwesigwa, the Archdeacon, urged believers to avoid indulgence in worldly pleasures such as excessive alcohol consumption and immorality during Easter.

“Easter is not about drunkenness or carousing. It is a solemn time to reflect on the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.

Mwesigwa cautioned that misuse of the Easter holidays often leads to spiritual decline and societal chaos.

He urged Christians instead to spend time in prayer, support the needy, and recommit themselves to Christian values that honour Christ’s sacrifice.

No smear campaigns

In a parallel Easter message delivered at Christ the King Parish Church, the Member of Parliament for Kabale Municipality, Dr Nicholas Thaddeus Kamara, appealed to political aspirants to engage in positive politics. He lamented the increasing use of smear campaigns, blackmail, and character assassination among candidates.

“Politics should be about service delivery and development, not hatred or division,” Kamara told congregants. He noted that constructive political competition based on achievements and vision would empower voters and promote good governance.

Kamara also raised concerns over the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Uganda, urging citizens to embrace regular medical check-ups for early detection and prevention.

“We need to take our health seriously. Many of the diseases killing our people today can be managed or avoided altogether if caught early,” he said.

The Mass was led by Rev. Fr Mathias Kwehangana, the parish curate, who delivered a strongly worded sermon against dictatorship and rights abuses in the country.

Fr Kwehangana criticised leaders who, having once championed democracy and freedom, now engage in power abuse and human rights violations.

“Vote rigging, tribalism, corruption, and misuse of power are all signs of a governance system in crisis. Ugandans must unite and demand better leadership. We owe it to ourselves and the generations to come,” he said.

Fr Kwehangana also emphasised the need to empower the boy child, saying the heavy emphasis on girls’ empowerment has created imbalances that may affect future family dynamics.

“If we neglect the boy child, we risk raising men who are unprepared for adulthood, leading to tension and conflict in homes,” he cautioned.

He also highlighted the dangers of alcoholism, drug abuse, and domestic violence, calling them ticking time bombs for family and community stability.

Fighting addictions

At Our Lady of Good Shepherd Cathedral, Rushoroza, the Bishop of the Kabale Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, urged Christians to use Easter as an opportunity to break free from harmful addictions, especially alcoholism.

He warned that persistent indulgence in substance abuse not only destroys the individual but also tears apart families and communities.

“Easter is about renewal. We must shed off all the addictions that keep us away from God’s grace. Let us seek deliverance and start anew,” Bishop Rubaramira said.