Archbishop Ntagali decries corruption in health sector

PIC: Archbishop Stanley Ntagali  blessed members of the press after  delivering his Easter Message at the provincial office  at Namirembe on Thursday. (Credit: Norman Katende)

KAMPALA - The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali, has decried corruption in the health sector, saying the health ministry needs to clean up its messy situation.

In his Easter message, the Archbishop has also condemned domestic violence, defilement, child labour, road carnage rates and the recent spate of high profile murders in the country.

"There is also violence through neglect and apathy. The number of women who die during childbirth because of the corruption in the Ministry of Health has meant there are not enough doctors, nurses, birth attendants, facilities, or medicine to support women in troubled pregnancies," he said during a press conference on Thursday at the Church of Uganda provincial secretariat at Namirembe.

'Abortion is murder'

The ongoing proposal to legalise abortion in East Africa has also been roundly condemned by Ntagali.

"The rampant and senseless murders, road deaths, maternal deaths, abortions and threat to legalise abortion also cause us great concern.

"We have seen too much violence, especially in the last month, of Andrew Felix Kaweesi, our beloved AIGP, his body guard Kenneth Erau and the drive Godfrey Wambewo," said Ntagali, urging MPs to resist international persuasion to legalise abortion.

"Some in the Government and their NGO-allies would like to legislate violence by legalizing the killing of babies through abortion. A country that legalizes abortion and does not advocate for the lives of the voiceless will be subject to God's judgment."

The Archbishop added: "I urge our MPs to resist the sweet persuasion of some in our government and other international voices and stand up for life. Life of our mothers and life for the unborn. Say no to abortion. Abortion is murder."

Climate change

The effects of climate change such as drought, hunger and famine are the other issues that Ntagali wants Ugandans to address head-on.

"We must work for a public policy that ensures drought does not lead to famine, hunger and starvation."

The Archbishop said this Easter season has been dedicated to the family. "We must do more to ensure that every member of our family is treated with dignity."

In his missive, the church leader also commended Government for efforts towards fighting malaria.

Meanwhile, he said the church will on April 20 launch the Church of Uganda 10-year strategic master plan.

"The vision of the new strategic plan is a faster growing sustainable Christ-centered Church, and is focused on four broad areas — mission, socio-economic empowerment, community engagement, and institutional development," he said.