By Jean-Marie Nsambu

IN the few years he has ministered as a priest for Kampala Archdiocese, Fr. Anthony Musaala has made a name, particularly among the youth. He serves very many, regardless of their faith or sex inclinations!

In and outside church, he is a crowd-puller. I have attended and sometimes even addressed many gatherings with him. In my seven-year term as Archdiocesan youth leader — ended last September — I cannot recall any disappointment working with Musaala, youth Chaplain at Gaba and later St. Matia Mulumba, Old Kampala Parishes.

On the contrary, I just admired his gift to draw droves of young men — and with emphasis — women. From other faiths, I can attest to many who willfully converted to the Catholic Church. With a ‘troubled’ youth background of himself, a story he often publicly shares, I know him as a straight vibrant priest that any soul would envy.

Against that context, I believe The New Vision Page 1 story, of Wednesday April 1, was anything, but a Fool’s [Day] joke. Nonetheless, I am saddened that the attempts to assassinate Musaala’s carefully built character, were given prominence.

It is intriguing to note the man (or woman?), Paul Kagaba was able to name him and not the “A European residing on Entebbe Road.” Is it not just because Musaala is a priest? Would it not be true that he has more to lose as a ‘parallel preacher’? And why shouldn’t we believe it is a ploy to attract donor funds for Kagaba’s church?

It is utter nonsense if I were hetero- or homosexual (or even just sexually active), to address a ‘press’ conference about it. To whom would I owe its benefit?

As confused as these men are, one of them had earlier approached me for assistance “to get publicity” in the Catholic publications, Leadership Magazine and Catholic Newsreport. At the moment I did not know why! But, my conscience rightly made me tell ‘Georgina’ Oundo, we were not interested in his (ridiculous) story.

I am aware of the Pentecostal fervor to ‘come forward’ and air out sins. I also know, to Christians, confession is imperative.

But, to confess to the world (not as by law stipulated), to the point of slandering others, is utter lunacy. Even as sinners, we are already God’s children. St. John says: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9] But, James adds: “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” [James: 5:16].

He does not tell us to confess to the world. And these disciples got it from Jesus Himself, who says: “Therefore, if you were to offer your gift upon the altar (publicly) and were to remember there that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother (privately). Then come and offer your gift.” [Matthew 5:23-24].

Something about these allegations is sinister, if not dangerously slanderous. As a person that works with the youth — in thousands — my mind races with several motives that are seemingly behind all this.

Even in law, judicial officers would be reluctant to wholly believe ‘confessions’ that purport criminality of others. Chiefly, this is because when one knows their own guilt is detected, they will look for anything to earn sympathy (cheap empathy) by falsely accusing others. And the fact that it is someone outside the Catholic Church accusing, makes it more devious.

Prudence suffices for deeper analysis of these claims, as well as the church and persons of the accusers. To me, homosexuality is a crime in Uganda.

The first step, therefore, would have been for these men or women to turn themselves in and save public funds to hunt for them. Then, they would help the Police to bring in accomplices, but with tangible evidence.

Of course, this Kagaba man/woman may be telling a true story to the extent of the phenomenon of homosexuality. But, to name Fr. Musaala (and not the others), is very suspect, if not a direct attack on the priest’s major constituency — the Catholic youth. Unfortunately for Kagaba and company, it is a story that in its general outline could be true, but factors in a matter untrue.

The public should take it as lacking the desired double test of reliability and ‘corroboration’ that are necessary in materials particular! Let us arrest and charge these fellows.

The writer is a journalist, lawyer and former Kampala Archdiocese youth leader