Bishop Luwalira urges honesty

By Alfred Wandera

The Bishop Namirembe Diocese, Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira, has called for honesty among faithfuls as the key virtue that portrays their commitment to serving the mission of Jesus Christ.

Delivering his Christmas sermon at Namirembe Cathedral on Thursday to a fully packed congregation, Luwalira took a swipe at business people whose habit, he said is to hike commodity prices during the festive season.

“Why do business people hike prices of goods and services whenever Christmas knocks? You want to make it difficult for people to travel and enjoy celebrations to mark the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. You merely want to amass wealth at the expense of the underprivileged. Why do you make God’s people’s lives difficult?” asked Luwalira.

Business people often increase bus fares and commodity prices during Christmas due to high demand as people dash to travel to their rural homes and buy goodies for the festive season. Prices during such periods are often tripled, making it difficult for many Ugandans who live on less than $1 per day to meet their basic necessities.

Luwalira called upon Christians to embrace Jesus Christ in their lives, adding that He is security for everything that we do.
“Jesus Christ will make a difference in our lives when we accept him. When Jesus is in our midst, we shall have love for one another because He is there to guide us. We shall reconcile among ourselves and even among nations,” said Luwalira.

He added: “But don’t merely sit back because you have the King in your life. You must ensure that there is social justice in your community. Never allow Jesus to leave your office, business and family. Let’s always reflect on what it takes to have Jesus in our lives.”

Although Luwalira said Jesus answers whatever prayer is made to him, he urged the faithful to always ask for what is in accordance with Jesus’ will.

“When you have the opportunity to be with the King, you have all the chance to ask for whatever you want. But don’t be like Herodias’ daughter who asked Herod for the head of John the Baptist,” said Luwalira.

According to Mark 6:21-29, a daughter of Herodias danced before Herod, the king of Judea, and her mother at the occasion of his birthday. Herod told the girl to ask for anything after he was pleased by her performance. The girl gave her mother the opportunity to obtain the head of John the Baptist, against whom she had nursed a grudge and wanted killed. The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered John the Baptist to be beheaded.

Luwalira hailed President Museveni and Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi for their contribution towards shaping morality of the nation through their motivational addresses that urge youth to work hard to be self-sufficient.

The Christmas service was attended by dignitaries including former Prime Minister Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, Nabagereka Slyvia Nagginda, FDC chairperson Joyce Ssebugwawo, acting Chief Justice Steven Kavuma, Lugaba North MP Moses Kasibante, Busiro East MP Medard Sseggona and Attorney General Peter Nyombi.