Cleric blasts Otafiire for not believing in God

Usually known to court controversy, Gen Kahinda Otafiire's acidic tongue rubbed Canon Michael Owino, the Vicar of St Luke's Church Of Uganda, Ntinda the wrong way, causing a clash during the Saturday funeral service of Maj Gen Levi Karuhanga, the fallen Chairman of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) General Court Martial.

In the end it was a verbal exchange between Otafiire, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, who said he did not believe in life after death and a Cannon who wanted them to convert.

Before (Otafiire), the Ruhinda County MP was called to eulogize Karuhanga; Jeje Odongo the state Minister for Defense said Karuhanga had gone too soon and wished God would tip them on when they were going to die so that they prepare themselves well.

"However I do not believe that we die completely but transform from one life to another. Therefore we should not mourn but instead celebrate. Just like when a baby is born into the world, in the same spirit, when a person dies, they go to another world where they will be received with joy," Odongo said.

Otafiire who concurred with Jeje said people don't die but transform from one life to another and urged mourners to do their best when on earth.

"As for resurrection, am not very sure about it. When they said Jesus is coming, I waited and got tired of waiting. But if I were Jesus, I would not come back at this time when people are being beaten with sticks on the streets. What would I be coming to do? To receive more beatings?" The General wondered.

He however cautioned Jeje that instead of quarrelling with God for not alerting him on when he will die, he should prepare every day saying that's exactly what happens to those who fight for freedom. "When you go to the battle field, those who come back are considered very lucky."

He also explained why he never goes to church, saying God already knows what he does or doesn't do. "Why should I again go and disturb him when he already knows me too well?"

Unlike Otafiire and Odongo, it was only Lt Gen Charles Angina, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces who sided with the word of God.

Before he delivered his boss (Gen Katumba Wamala)'s speech, he engaged the congregation with the famous "praise God phrase" and even quoted the book of Psalms for a word of encouragement to the deceased's family.

Canon Owino responds

With a lot of refrain and struggling not to over delve into the Generals concerns, Owino pleaded with Otafire not to confuse church matters with politics.

"When you go to Kyankwanzi, I wonder what they teach you. Otafiire leave issues of God for us to explain. By virtue of your position in Government, when you talk, people take you serious and I want to tell you that God surely exists," Owino said.