Use Lent to pray for Uganda, renew relationship with God — Ssemogerere
Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday.
Christians receive ashes from Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere during the Ash Wednesday mass at Lubaga Cathedral. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)
Ponsiano Nsimbi
Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - Kampala Catholic archbishop Paul Ssemogerere has urged believers to make use of Lent to pray for the nation.
Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday.
Ssemogerere made the call while giving his homily during Ash Wednesday Mass at Rubaga Cathedral in Kampala city on March 5, 2025. He also asked Ugandans to use the period to renew their relationships with God and fellow Ugandans.
"We are privileged this time around to have the Lenten period with our Muslim brothers and sisters, allowing us to show oneness and unity that something unique is happening in Uganda. All Ugandans are on their knees fasting and praying for the nation and one another," Ssemogerere said.
Muslims are marking their holy month: Ramadan
Ramadan is one of the most significant months of the Islamic lunar calendar. It marks the time when the Koran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him).
A Father carrying his two children receive ashes in the shape of a cross on the forehead on Ash Wednesday at Lubaga Cathedral from Msgr. Charles Kasibante. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)
Almost two billion Muslims worldwide observe this month of prayer and reflection, which includes fasting between two prayers, Fajr at dawn and Maghrib at sunset.
Ssemogerere commended Christians for turning up in big numbers and asked them to value and extend the Lenten norms to all through fasting, prayer, and charitable deeds, embodying values of selflessness and compassion.
He called upon Christians to uphold their highest moral standards and refrain from engaging in negative behaviour. He urged them to engage in almsgiving.
He urged Members of Parliament to legislate all-encompassing laws.
According to him, children below 14 years and adults above 60 years of age are not allowed to fast, unless one is undergoing unbearable health conditions.
Ssemogerere said some parents starve their families, disguising it as Christian fasting.