The leaders of the mainstream Churches have issued their Christmas message, through which they have strongly condemned corruption, environmental degradation, gender-based violence, maladministration and human rights abuse. 

The prelates, under their ecumenical umbrella organisation, the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) also called upon Christians to work hard and to maintain proper hygiene, to avoid contracting deadly diseases such as Covid-19 and Ebola.

The Christmas message of the ecumenical Bishops was delivered by their Chairman, the Rt. Rev. Joseph Antony Zziwa (the Catholic Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana) during a press-briefing at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel, Rubaga (un Rubaga Division) on Thursday.

The Orthodox Archbishop, Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi (right) makes a point during the UJCC Christmas press conference at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel. Looking on is Fr. Daniel Musiitwa (left), Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu (second-left) and Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa (third-left). Photos by Mathias Mazinga

Below is the message in its fullness.

Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, and all people of goodwill. On behalf of my Co-Chairpersons, His Grace, the Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi and on my own behalf, I convey to you special greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Redeemer and Prince of Peace!

The birth of Jesus Christ, which we celebrate every year on December 25, has had a profound influence on the history of humankind.

Christmas is a season of rebirth and renewal of our relationship with God and with one another.

On this day we remember the special love of God brought closer to us through the mystery of incarnation. By assuming the human condition, Christ took upon himself our burdens through the sacrifice on the cross (Phil2:6-11) and became the truth, the way and the life (Jn14:6).

Christmas is, therefore, a time to thank God for his saving grace and the opportunities which have come to us through the life, ministry and teaching of Our Lord Jesus Christ. 

We followers of Christ, are thus invited to hear his voice and be the light and salt of the world. (Mt 5:13-16). We are commissioned to propagate this teaching throughout the world (Mt. 28:9).

Inspired by the spirit of Christmas and the love of God poured on us through his loving son Jesus Christ, we have the duty to live the gospel not as some abstract concept, but a transforming reality for us, our neighbors and society as a whole (Rm 13:8).

The love of God, therefore, obliges us to work towards a world befitting the human person because it befits God. We know on the contrary, that the world is bereft of the logic of God. 

It lacks true wisdom, care and respect for one another, peace, justice and equality. (1 Peter 4:1-10). In order to achieve this in our country Uganda, we must cooperate to address the following issues, among others, that undermine our ability to enjoy life in its fullness as children of God (Jn10:10).

Abductions and Attacks on Police Posts

We strongly condemn all acts of abductions and attacks on Police Posts which have led to loss of lives of security agents, civilians and equipment like guns. We express our deepest condolences to the families who lost their dear ones.

Covid-19 and Ebola

We thank the President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the guidance in fighting against Ebola and Covid-19. 

We encourage the people of Uganda to continue observing the various directives and guidelines put in place by the government and to seek vaccination. We appeal to the government of Uganda to put up more structures to prepare for any eventualities.

 HIV/AIDS

We appreciate the Government's effort to end HIV/AIDS by the year 2030 and we appeal to the people of Uganda to avoid all ways that lead to the spread of the disease.

Corruption

Corruption is like a cancer that has eaten almost all sectors of our society. For some people, embezzlement of public funds has become part and parcel of today’s life. Corruption has led to stagnation of government projects and others have been done haphazardly.

We call upon all Ugandans especially those entrusted with public offices to desist from this evil. Let us put God first in everything we do and show a good example to the youth and generations to come.

Environment

It is unfortunate that man who was to take care of the environment has become its destroyer. People have destroyed swamps, cut down forests, made the water dirty by throwing in polythene bags and plastic bottles. Let's preserve nature.

Gender Based Violence

We call upon all Ugandans and most especially our family members to practice love, forgiveness, tolerance and reconciliation in order to avoid gender-based violence. Let us love one another as our Lord commanded us.

Poverty

We are aware of the poverty situation in our homes and the country. May you please embrace the government programs which are aiming at eradicating poverty. May you get rid of corruption that stagnates development. May you be faithful leaders in charge of development programs.

 Human Rights and Good Governance

The UJCC fraternity continues to appeal for the observance of human rights for all citizens and good governance in all its forms such as the rule of law, equality of all citizens before the law, liberty of the individual, freedoms including the right to form and join political parties and trade unions in conformity with the constitution, equality of opportunities for all, and right of the individual to participate in free, credible and democratic political processes and periodic elections. We condemn all extra judicial arrests and killings.

As UJCC, we are committed to working with the government in addressing the many challenges bedeviling our country through our structures from national to local level.

We appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, to maintain peace during the Christmas season. Avoid as much as possible shedding the blood of innocent people. Motorists and truck drivers, please avoid speeding and reckless driving which is the root cause of accidents. Respect all road users for the safety of everyone.

We wish you a merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year 2023.

Rt. Rev. Joseph Antony Zziwa 

Chairperson of UJCC and Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese

Kampala 22 December 2022