Include justice, peace in patriotism â€" Lwanga

May 25, 2009

THE Catholic Archbishop of Kampala, Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, has urged the Government to include peace and justice in its patriotism programme.

By Jude Kafuuma

THE Catholic Archbishop of Kampala, Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, has urged the Government to include peace and justice in its patriotism programme.

Lwanga was speaking at celebrations to mark 130 years since the first Catholic missionaries arrived in Uganda at Rubaga Cathedral.

“The Church promotes social justice and peace, which constantly relate to daily life. This is one of the indicators that the Church and State have a common goal of integral development and well-being of the people,” Lwanga said.

He called on the Government to have good relations with the Church.

He said it was the Church’s duty to address injustices like oppression, marginalising communities and other social evils.

Lwanga urged the Government to acknowledge the Church’s contribution to the spiritual and social development of the country, saying without gratitude, evil consequences would continue to prevail.

The Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, said the Government was committed to working with the Church.

“The State must continue to work with churches and mosques to re-shape the direction of our country that has been led astray by the wave of evil practices,” Bukenya said.

Recalling the contribution of the first Catholic missionaries to Uganda’s social development, Bukenya urged Christians to commit themselves to economic development, saying it was the only way out of poverty.

The prime minister of Buganda, Eng. John Baptist Walusimbi, urged Christians to be hardworking.

“Let us stop quarrelling and focus on issues that will help us work together,” Walusimbi said.

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