Cardinal Wamala Issues Polls Guide

By Felix Osike EMMANUEL Cardinal Wamala yesterday said the Catholic Church will not back any candidate in the March 6 presidential elections. But he advised Ugandans to vote for candidates with high moral character and record, God-fearing and prepared to listen and work with others. Wamala told a press conference at the Catholic Secretariat, Nsambya, that although some candidates had met him, the Church would remain impartial. He issued a 13-page pastoral letter to act as a guide to the voters. "The Catholic Church has no official position on any candidate. The guidelines are for Ugandans to see which candidate answers the needs of the common people," he said. Wamala was flanked by Frs. Anthony Matovu, Joseph Obunga and John Wayne Katende. He appealed to Ugandans to register and participate in the elections in order to choose a government they want. The Cardinal said presidential candidates Aggrey Awori, Kizza Besigye and Yoweri Museveni had met him. "My door is always open to anyone who wants to come," he said. The pastoral letter urged Ugandans to vote for a candidate who is forthright, unselfish, firm and objective and committed to promoting the common good. Wamala said Ugandans needed a government committed to exemplary leadership to society and general economic empowerment of the community right from the family unit. He said Ugandans should look for a government committed to improvement of quality of life through objective conscientisation of equal opportunities and through fair distribution of national wealth. "Ugandans expect a government which will work towards establishing real and lasting peace both within and outside Uganda's borders," said Wamala in the letter to all Ugandans. He said votes should be given to "candidates who we think are serious in their intentions, honest and capable of working for and with us." He urged Ugandans to denounce the buying of voter cards on the election eve and all other kinds of manipulation and bribery. Wamala said, "True though it is that the Church must be distinguished from the State, it cannot be ignored or completely separated from it." He called upon Catholics and all people of goodwill to be consistent with what they believe and be courageous in witnessing to it. "We deserve leaders who will not condone immorality such as corruption, abortion, homosexuality or any other forms of behaviour which are contrary and offensive to God's law and our own culture." He said a good government is when there is peace, where the rights of everyone are respected and promoted and where all are given the opportunity to exercise their responsibility. Ends