The Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Dr. Paul Ssemogerere has asked Ugandans to avoid discrimination based on religious belief.

Religious discrimination is treating a person or group differently because of the beliefs, they hold about a religion. This includes instances when adherents of different religions, denominations or non-religions are treated unequally due to their beliefs, either by the law or in institutional settings.

“We need to remain together as Jesus body. Moving together is a sign of being close to another person, which you have as women. We gathered to pray, and God continues listening to our prayers,” he said.

Ssemogerere said this while addressing women at a function organized by Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) during Ecumenical World Women’s Day annual Prayer on Friday at Sacred Heart of Mary Cathedral Lubaga.

Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Paul Ssemogerere chats with the president of Mothers Union Kampala Diocese, Caroline Kikoyo  after the Ecumenical World Women's Day annual Prayers at Sacred Heart of Mary Cathedral Lubaga on Friday, March 4, 2022

The event held under the theme: “I know the plans I have for you,” (Jer 19:11), attracted women from different denominations including Orthodox, Anglicans and Catholics.

Ssemogerere thanked the Women for spearheading the formation of the Women’s Council, which he said would enhance the stability and general welfare of the family.

“Women take the primary role in the growth of humanity, and you are a good example,” he said.

Delivering his homily, Ssemogerere stressed the adage that a good seed always produces a good tree.

Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Paul Ssemogerere receiving a gift from Women Guild members during Ecumenical World Women's Day annual Prayer at Sacred Heart of Mary Cathedral Lubaga

The Archbishop regretted that many parents have forgotten their responsibilities of nurturing children, building morals and being responsible citizens.

He also condemned teenage pregnancies saying, this comes after the breakdown of marriages and communities which are pillars of society.

He said that in Kasana-Luweero he asked women about their husbands, and many of them told him that they had assumed the men roles after men abandoned their responsibilities.

 “You are doing a good job in raising children, but some of them are becoming stubborn. This is the time to continue raising them well and promote the Christian values of love, reconciliation, unity, respect, and religiousness,” he advised.

Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Paul Ssemogerere cutting a cake with some of the leaders of Women Guild members after Ecumenical World Women's Day annual Prayer at Sacred Heart of Mary Cathedral Lubaga

Archbishop Ssemogerere encouraged men to emulate the women by forming a joint Catholic Men Council.

“We thank God, here many women are in high positions, Vice-President, Prime Minister, health minister among others,” he said.

Ssemogerere commended the Uganda Women Joint Christian Council that has championed women’s participation and involvement in issues related to fighting domestic violence among other issues of common concern.

 “Women’s prayer day is a strategy not only to draw God’s intervention but also the matters that are affecting the dignity of women, such as peace, harmony, compassion, respect for one another, unity, and tolerance as key drivers to sustainable human development.”

The head of Women in Kampala Archdiocese, Emilly Kitto Mwaka said that the day is celebrated every first Friday of March.

Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Paul Ssemogerere poses for a photograph with  other leaders of Women Guild after  the Ecumenical World Women's Day Annual Prayer at Sacred Heart of Mary Cathedral Lubaga

“It is an initiative of Christian laywomen aimed at bringing women of various domination together in fellowship, understanding, prayer and action throughout the year.  This year was organised by Catholic Women’s Guild of Kampala Archdiocese. Next year will be organized by the Orthodox Church.