Emulate Joseph's family, Hoima bishop tells Ugandans

________________

Hoima Catholic Diocese bishop, Vicente Kirabo, has urged Ugandans to avoid acts that tear their families apart during the festive season.   

Kirabo says there is a need for all the people to advocate for peace, respect and love in their families as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

The bishop has also urged Christians to always live lives which reflect the song in Luke 2.13.14: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests”.

Kirabo made the call while delivering his Christmas message at the Bishops House in Hoima city's Bujumbura cell on December 23, 2024, night. 

He challenged Christians to double their effort in looking after and protecting the family by Emulating the family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. According to him, this family had love and liked to work together.

The bishop said the family is the foundation of the Church, Nation and the world and that because of its importance, it is the responsibility of everyone to protect the family from the evil acts which are targeting to kill the institution.

“So, let us fight for it so that it isn't infiltrated by the evil beliefs and behaviour that are targeting to kill this institution,” he said.

Sylvia Namukisa (left), Fr Patrick Mugisa Amoto, head of education department (center), and Davis Mugisa Musiime, head of health department, leading the prayers during the conference. (Credit: Peter Abaananbasazi)

Protecting the environment

The bishop also called on the people of Bunyoro to focus on environmental protection after he expressed dismay over the increasing environmental degradation in the diocese.

He noted that forests, swamps and rivers in the region have been encroached on and depleted by people washing cars, farming and cutting trees for charcoal and timber.

When God created the universe, he gave man a responsibility of looking after nature but man has been unfaithful to God and has acted contrary.      

"Because of not protecting the environment, the water we take and fish [we eat] are contaminated by chemicals, which are always poured in the water sources. This hurts our lives, so let leaders at all levels advocate for the protection of the environment," Kirabo said.

Call for hard works

Bishop Kirabo also underscored the need for Christians to focus on hard work to uplift their household incomes.

Quoting Psalms 127, which says: Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain, Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain, the bishop advised Christians to love whatever work they do and also involve Jesus Christ in it if they are to achieve their dreams and benefit from it.

Kirabo expressed excitement that people were adhering to his advice of working hard for their social economic transformation adding that some signs of development are being seen among the Christians.

However, he expressed concern that despite the registration of progress in achieving social economic transformation in the diocese, some loopholes are affecting the incomes of people.

He cited alcoholism, laziness and gambling as some of the loopholes draining and affecting development of several households and warned the youth against such acts but instead use youthful energy to engage in development activities such as farming so as to be able to support their families and live a good life.

Call for proper upbring and Protection of children

The bishop challenged parents to protect their children and teach them to be responsible citizens as they grow.

He noted that it is the responsibility of parents to engage and teach their children to ensure that they are bringing up disciplined, loving, faithful and transparent children.

Bishop Kirabo ended the media briefing by urging Christians to repent and give their lives to Christ so that they earn themselves an everlasting life after the end of their lives.