Kaziimba to Karimojong warriors: Surrender illegal guns to govt

KARIMOJONG | WARRIORS | KAZIIMBA

MOROTO - The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Rt. Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has condemned gun violence in Karamoja, urging the locals to surrender the illegal arms to the government.

He said the perpetrators of these inhumane acts of stealing animals, killing people and raping women should stop.

Kaziimba noted that the Government has done a lot to improve the lives of people in Karamoja in the past.

“A transformed head, heart and hands will support Karamoja development,” he said, adding transformed people now should bring guns to relevant authorities.

He made the remarks on Sunday after dedicating and opening a new multi-million St. Phillips Cathedral built at the Karamoja diocesan headquarters located in Moroto town.

A yet to be identified Christian blows a vuvuzela during mass at St. Phillips cathedral Moroto. (AllPphoto by Olandason Wanyama)

"Now let’s help our people to stop brutal acts," Kaziimba said.

He urged the families in Karamoja, specifically Napak district to desist from sending their children to streets.

Kazimba further said Karimojong children were being abused on the streets in Kampala.

“Our Karimojong girls have become very young mothers on the street,” he noted.

Kazimba further appealed to the people in Karamoja to commit to God so as to stop the conflict in the sub region.

He urged the believers to dedicate their bodies to God the way the new cathedral has also been dedicated today.

Christians attend prayers at the St. Phillips Cathedral Moroto

In a message read by the minister for Karamoja affairs Mary Gorretti Kitutu on the occasion, the President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni commended Christians who contributed materially and financially towards the construction of the 1,000- seater cathedral.

“I want to congratulate the entire Church of Uganda for spearheading the fundraising mobilization,’ he noted.

He added that the construction of the cathedral demonstrates commitment to spreading Christianity in the country.

“You have done well to construct a cathedral because faith must have a sanctuary,” Museveni said.

He said the government will continue to ensure maintenance of peace in the country and also put the necessary social and economic infrastructure in place.

Museveni said this will facilitate local and foreign investment calling upon religious leaders to encourage people to select profitable enterprises.

“Commercial agriculture, industries, services and information computer technologies can generate jobs and incomes," he said.

The Moroto Municipality Member of Parliament Francis Adome appealed to the believers to always attend church at all times.

“Can we stop the politics of divisionism,'' he said.