Bishop Luwalira sad over age limit Bill

Bishop Luwalira greeting former Premier Prof Apolo Nsibambi after the service. Photos by Meddie Musisi

The Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira, has challenged government and parliament to exercise the same energy used while considering age limit Bill to tackle vices such as corruption, land grabbing, murders and domestic violence, which he said directly affect Ugandans.

Parliament last week passed controversial constitution (Amendment) N0.2 Act 2017, lifting the presidential age limit. The Bill seeks to remove the 75 presidential age limit and also restored the term limits for elected leaders.

The law which is pending assent by President Yoweri Museveni also saw MPs increase their tenure to seven years, from five years.

"In the recent past we have heard about women murders in the areas of Entebbe, people being cut like trees in Masaka and the disturbing findings of the land commission on land issue. Generally Ugandans are living in fear, so one wonders when these will be addressed just like the age limit issue was handled. We saw them dancing paka chini after passing the law," Bishop Luwalira said drawing applause from the believers.

He implored the proponents and those against the age limit Bill, to shift attention on social service delivery for the benefit of Ugandans.

"It was ‘tojikwatako' (Don't touch it) now I hear it is ‘kojikuteko' (Now that you have touched the constitution). When will this stop?" Luwalira asked.

Addressing Christians, the Bishop regretted the attack on the Parliamentary Anglican and Catholic Chapels, which were allegedly invaded by security forces during the consideration of the age limit Bill by Parliament.

The Bishop implored parliament to fast track the investigations into the matter to ascertain whether security officers had pitched camp in the two places of worship.
"What signals are were sending to our people? Parliament should let us know after the investigations why these chapels were used by security," he said.

He urged Christians to draw to the word of God for the good news which he said will take away the bad news that comes with sad stories such as murders and corruption.

Drawing his sermon from the book of Luke, Bishop Luwalira said; "Our God is a God of miracles, when he decides to do something, no one can stop him. When he closes a door, no one else can open it. He is unstoppable."

The Christmas service at Namirembe Cathedral was attended by different dignitaries including politicians, Nelson Kawalya, the speaker of Buganda Lukiiko (Parliament) among others.