By Norman Katende
Namirembe Diocese Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira has appealed to all Ugandans to try and put away all the old things that do not add value t to them and their neighbours and start the year 2013 a new.
In his New Year eve midnight sermon at St. Paul Cathedral Namirembe, Luwalira said that there is a dire need for having new wave of people in a country that was filled with lies, prostitution, corruption, sorcery, theft, fornication right from the homes, churches and government in 2012.
“As we go into 2013, Let us think of a winning strategy. We should not be keeping things either physical or spiritual, which are no longer useful in our lives. Let us leave all those in the year 2012,” he told the fully packed church.
Bishop Luwalira preaching to the congregation. Photo by Norman Katende
Most of the congregants were less concerned on leaving the church to view the fireworks that is always the reason of people going to Namirembe hill for a good view.
Luwalira blamed the problems that the country is going through to individuals, who care less about others and misuse government resources.
Borrowing a bible reading of Joshua chapter 7 where Achan’s breaking of God’s covenant saw the whole Israel being defeated by Ai, a city east of Bethel.
Achan had stolen from Jericho when God refused them to steal anything and the end result was that all his family was stoned to death and his property burnt to remove the curse from the country. After, they were triumphant over Israel.
“This is exactly what is happening to Uganda. An individual comes and steals money in a ministry and when the donors come to stop the funding, they are punishing the community. Let us say enough is enough. Let us say this is enough and leave by God’s grace and I tell you Uganda will be anew,” said Luwalira.
He appealed to people to accept that we have lost the battle now and start looking forward.
“There are lies everywhere even in church. Look at the divisions that were around between All Saints and St Paul Cathedral yet we are all in the same Anglican Church and we serve the same God a Unity. Let us say enough is enough.”
“Haven’t we stolen from others? Haven’t we failed to forgive? It is a time to change and all the sins will be uncovered at one time. Let us look behind and see where we are coming from. We have affected so many lives and though we are living happily, the tears of those people are following us.”
He then asked the congregation to torch their lives and have a reflection.
“Let us not point out fingers to others but look closely to ourselves and ask God, what have I done not to get what I want and his miracle ways will touch and guide you to what you want to achieve?”
