Youth cautioned on mushrooming churches

RELIGION

KAMPALA - Bishop Emeritus of Lugazi Diocese, Matthias Ssekamanya has told youth to seek guidance from parents and experienced clergy for guidance before joining some churches.

"If you ask me about some of the mushrooming churches: are they all genuine? I would say No," he said at a thanksgiving service at Multitech Business School in Kampala to celebrate 30 years of existence.

The retired Bishop said some of the churches base their teachings on literal interpretation of the Bible, a skill he said was not for everyone, however educated one may be. 

"No matter how highly educated you may be, the knowledge you have may not be enough for you to interpret the Bible. It is the work of trained religious leaders," he said during the ceremony on Saturday.

Bishop Ssekamnya cutting cake with the governing council. photo by Norah Mutesi

Ssekamanya said youth were particularly vulnerable to misinformation from some preachers who may not accurately interpret Biblical teachings since they have not been sufficiently trained or guided.

The Bishop said correctly interpreting Bible messages was like building a house on a rock which remains unmoved even when it is hit by very strong waves.

He advised the founders of the business school not to focus on infrastructure alone but also the spiritual lives of their students so that they can live responsibly and contribute to the country's development.

"These walls will go nowhere. Make sure that the people who benefit from the works inside the building become successful and contribute to the development of our country," he advised.

Established in 1988, Multitech was one of the first institutions in Uganda to offer accountancy classes, but it has gradually expanded to offer certificates, diplomas, and degrees in other disciplines.

Dr. Hassan Ssendagire, the principal of the business school said they were processing an application for a university charter, which would transform the institution into a fully-fledged university.

Peter Kalenzi, one of the founders of the institution said the idea of starting the school started in the 1970s when they were forced into exile in Kenya by the regime of former president Idi Amin.

As part of celebrations to mark 30 years of existence, the institution commissioned a new building that houses a radio and TV studio, culinary arts kitchen, fashion, and design house.

The institution was awarded a gold award in accountancy services last year and the chairperson of the founders' board, Aloysius Kyeyune, received a Heroes Day Medal for his contribution to Uganda.