Cardinal Hosts Poor, Disabled To Luncheon

Edris Kisambira WHEN was the last time that poor neighbour had a decent meal? As the majority of city dwellers braced themselves for new year festivities after a generous spending spree for their families, some good samaritans, led by man of God Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala extended a warm hand to the wretched of Kampala. On Saturday, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, a Catholic organisation, hosted people with disabilities, the aged and orphans to an end of year party at the clean gardens of the Cardinal’s residence next to Rubaga Cathedral. And street children could not risk missing. They turned out, probably in their best and suspended their street conduct, at least for the few hours they were there. They were ferried in two trucks, the women clad in busuuti and the men conventionally dressed. The festive afternoon started with mass in the beautiful gardens that contrasted sharply with their guests. Wamala prayed for an improvement in the lives of the underprivileged flock who looked up to him and readily answered prayers and sang alongside him. “Nobody chooses to be what they are. None of us chooses to be poor or disabled. It is unavoidable circumstances that bring us into this predicament,” the Cardinal said. He said it is broken families that lead to the increase in street children. “Help yourselves by doing that which you can to earn a living. Don’t sit back and wait for handouts,” Wamala said. There was plenty of matooke, rice, meat and a soda to lubricate the throats. And so it was a day at Rubaga. A reminder that one can do something for that destitute nearby. Ends