Forgive Hope Mwesigye â€" Museveni

Aug 15, 2010

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni yesterday stepped in to resolve the standoff between the Catholic church in Kabale and agriculture minister Hope Mwesigye.

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni yesterday stepped in to resolve the standoff between the Catholic church in Kabale and agriculture minister Hope Mwesigye.

Mwesigye, who is also the Kabale woman MP, is accused of telling father Geitano Batanyenda, the parish priest of Kitanga parish in Rukiga sub-county, to marry.

Museveni, who was in Kabale to fundraise for the refurbishment of Rushoroza Cathedral, said: “I have two sinners in Kigezi region, Mwesigye and MP Chris Baryomunsi. Don’t stone me when you see me moving with them, I cannot leave them behind,” the President said.

Baryomunsi is the MP for Kinkizi East.

Museveni said he called Batanyenda and Mwesigye for a reconciliation, but said the case is still unresolved.

Baryomunsi is also in a bitter row with Protestants of Kinkizi diocese over failure to contribute to the diocese.

In response, Baryomunsi said he had been taking care of the bishops and other church leaders in the diocese, a statement which angered the leaders. He was banned from attending church functions until he apologises.

At the Kabale function, over sh170m was collected with Museveni contributing sh80m.

Meanwhile, Museveni advised the management of churches and mosques to start self-sustaining projects to boost their incomes. He promised to support those who had already set up such projects.

He cited King Fahd Plaza in Kampala, a multi-storied building, constructed by Muslims, which, he said, is bringing in huge sums of money.

The President promised to tarmack the Mbarara-Katuna road, other roads in Kabale town centre and the road to Rushoroza Cathedral.

Bishop Callist Rubaramira of Kabale diocese told the President that the church had started many projects, including a 10-year sustainability project which is helping over 10,000 people in the diocese.

He thanked Museveni for the economic plan he has for the country and promised overwhelming support from Kabale in next year’s general elections.

Compiled by Abdulkarim Ssengendo, Goodluck Musinguzi and Bwogi Buyera

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