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The bishop of Bunyoro Kitara diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Kahuma, has challenged Christians to use this festive season to repent and change their ways.

In his Christmas message delivered on Friday, Kahuma said it does not help to celebrate Christmas without understanding why God sent His son Jesus to the earth.

He said this festivity is a period for Christians to reflect on their lives and repent their sins.

“It unfortunate that people always focus on earthly things such eating, clothing and drinking alcohol instead of thinking on how to mend their relationship with God," he said from the Bishop’s House in Duhaga cell in Hoima West division in Hoima city.

"Repent and stop defiling the holy day of our Saviour Jesus Christ."

In his delivery, Kahuma said disobedience of God's commandments has resulted in problems and suffering among people.

He pointed to things like increasing environmental degradation, domestic violence in families, lawlessness among the youth, land grabbing as well as moral decadence.

The bishop tasked parents with focusing on the security of their children during this festival season, which coincides with the school holiday.

For instance, he said, children should not be allowed to move alone in spaces that can expose their vulnerability to HIV and unwanted pregnancy.

Alcohol and drug abuse are also a reality that parents and guardians should guard their children against.

Kahuma urged the people of Bunyoro to be vigilant especially in the wake of this week's deadly attack in Kamwenge district by suspected ADF militants.

He said vigilance will see the people safely through this religious festival.