Clergy condemn violent protests, support oil probe

By Pascal Kwesigwa

BISHOPS in Uganda have condemned the walk to work demonstrations saying no amount of violent action would yield solutions to the current economic hardships.

In a statement issued by Bishops from 19 dioceses of the Catholic Church after the second annual Uganda Episcopal Conference yesterday, the clergy men said the church does not support the use of violence to solve problems.

Reading the statement to the press at the Catholic Church secretariat in Kampala, the chairman of the Uganda episcopal conference, His grace J.B Odama said 

“The church has never supported the use of violence to solve a problem. Even our founder Jesus Christ didn’t support the use of violence,” 

Odama who also the archbishop of Gulu archdiocese said violent confrontation between the opposition and government forces brews more problems for the innocent populace.

The Bishops however lashed at government for being insensitive to the problems of the people noting that the country has seen a number of protests staged by various categories of people over the high living costs but no action has been taken to fix the problems.

But the clerics also noted that the strikes are a symptom of a wider malaise which is linked to the loss of values, increasing frustration and violence.

The bishops however announced their support for peaceful strikes by workers including traders, teachers and university students arguing that its a human right for one to withdraw their labour if they are dissatisfied by the working conditions.

The prevailing economic situation, they said justifies a salary increment for the poorly paid workers such as teachers adding that the issue should be given priority in future national planning and budgeting.

“We call upon government to continue dialoguing with teachers and other discontented groups for a sustainable and constructive solution,” the statement read in part.

Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference Msgr John Baptist Kauta and the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, and the Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference John Baptist Odama, addressing the press at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat in Nsambya

The bishops condemned the public management order bill recently tabled in parliament saying that granting the police blanket powers to control public assemblies is unacceptable.

Odama explained that several sections of the bill are inconsistent with the constitutional clauses that on human rights and freedoms. 

He argued that the bill seeks to restrict freedoms of expression and assembly among others that are inherent and not granted by the state.

The catholic bishops observed that the bill if passed in its current form would cripple the operations of civil society organizations, political parties and individuals.

“From our assessment, the bill is against a free and democratic society,” the statement read further.

They also lashed at President Yoweri Museveni, for his proposal to tighten bail conditions for suspects accused of committing specific crimes saying access to bail is a fundamental human right.

The bishops also expressed concern over suspects who have remained in detention centers for years without trail arguing under the law no one should be detained for more than 48 hours without trail.

They recommended that all government officials who have been consistently cited in corruption scandals be sacked and advised the president to desist from interfering with the due process of the law by defending suspects.

Odama also announced that the church supports a parliamentary decision to probe the alleged corruption deals in the nascent oil and gas sector and its efforts to put in place necessary structures, policies and legislative frame work to manage the industry.

He denied rumours that some high profile members of the Catholic Church influenced the dropping of charges against former vice President, Prof, Gilbert Bukenya by the inspectorate of government.