Why Rwenzori Bishop banned weddings, funeral ceremonies on church premises
"It's a total shame finding bottles of various alcohol brands and other unusual things littered around the church compound after such functions. You can do any other things but reserve respect for the Church premises as a holy place," Baluku said.
The South Rwenzori Diocesan Bishop, Nason Baluku, speaking to a journalist. (Photos by Samuel Amanyire)
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The South Rwenzori Diocesan Bishop, Nason Baluku, has directed all leaders of Anglican churches in Kasese District to stop permitting residents, who seek to hold wedding parties and funeral ceremonies at the church premises, saying such people usually indulge in immoral behaviour.
Baluku noted that his decision was prompted by the persistent cases he has witnessed where some people get involved in immorality, including infidelity, drinking alcohol and drug abuse during such events organised at church premises.
The Bishop argued that although most churches have big compounds, they should instead be reserved as parking yards. He stressed that church premises remain sacred and holy and allowing such anti-social behaviours to take place there undermines the church’s integrity.
"It's a total shame finding bottles of various alcohol brands and other unusual things littered around the church compound after such functions. You can do any other things but reserve respect for the Church premises as a holy place," Baluku said.
Bishop Baluku in a group photo with lay readers
The Bishop's comments arose while responding to the Parish Vicar's report that included future plans of expanding Kabatunda Church of Uganda compound to help the community members in hosting such events.
"Such places can be ideal to host functions, but as the Church, we prohibit alcohol," he said.
Night vigil, discos
According to the leadership of Maliba sub-county, they have launched operations against children who attend night discos and vigils as one of the ways of enhancing the campaign against poor parenting in the community.
Maliba sub-county District Councilor Gilyed Baluku said they are concerned with the alarming rate at which girl children are reportedly becoming pregnant.
"Parents have become reluctant about controlling their children, leaving them to do anything they wish," Bakuku said, adding "Yesterday (October 12) night at around 2:00am, we mounted an operation and arrested four juveniles, who are aged between 13 and 15, and were taken to police."