Archbishop Lwanga calls for national dialogue

By Juliet Lukwago & Moses Mulondo

LUBAGA, Kampala - The Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga has called on political, civil, cultural and spiritual leaders to use the spiritual renewal brought by Christmas to resolve Uganda’s problems.

Giving his Christmas message on Tuesday at his residence in Lubaga, Lwanga called for national dialogue involving all stakeholders and the citizens to amicably solve Uganda’s political problems.

 “As we come to this year’s Christmas celebrations, Uganda has several concerns that pose many questions in our minds,” he said.

They may seem to be obvious to many of you but they may also be a time bomb to our country. These concerns must draw the attention of all the citizens of this country including our leaders at all levels and the entire population.”

He argued that since the constitution gives Ugandans power to determine how they should be governed, government should create an opportunity for nationals to be governed on their wishes and aspirations.

Citing violation of human rights, state failure to provide social amenities, high corruption and impunity, the clergyman said government should undertake several measures to change the appalling situation in the country.

He attributed the high rate of immorality, violence, murders, and other social evils to the failure of the government to meet the socio-economic needs of Ugandans.

Judging from the corruption scandals that happened in the course of the year, Lwanga expressed his disappointment that corruption continues to soar.

“As we celebrate Christmas, let us try to fight this evil that is eating our homes, society, institutions and in government. A lot has already been said on this evil but I think we need to see more real concrete ways of fighting it,” he said.

On the crisis in Kampala Capital City, he argued the impasse emanates from the KCCA Act which creates many power centers.

“We have elected the Lord Mayor who has the mandate of the people. We have the executive director who was appointed by the government. We have a minister for Kampala who is at the same time minister of presidency and five RDCs all governing and advising the president on Kampala. When do the four powers centers of Kampala meet to discuss issues concerning Kampala?”

He said even if the Lord Mayor was from the ruling party, there would be conflicts arising from the many power centers created by the KCCA Act.

He reiterated that Christmas is a feast of trust, generosity, love and hope.

“I wish a very merry Christmas and happy New to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, his family and his cabinet, the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the Royal Family, traditional leaders in Uganda, all religious leaders and all the people of Uganda.”

He prayed for the people of South Sudan who are involved in a civil war and appealed to the international community to assist in restoring peace in that country.