Bwanika raps Inter-religious council over anti-age limit comments

AGE LIMIT | INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL

Christians were on Saturday stunned when Wakiso district chairman Matia Lwanga Bwanika openly castigated the Inter-religious Council of Uganda for proposing a referendum on the contentious proposal to lift the Presidential age limit.

This was during a fundraising dinner for the celebrations of Kiyinda-Mityana diocesan day at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel, Ndeeba in Kampala.

"Brethren, in the Catholic Church we have a moral code that prohibits us from castigating our religious leaders in public. But I am sorry to say, I did not understand the statement that was issued by the Inter-religious Council," he started.

"The issue at stake is not the referendum, but the legitimacy of removing the Constitutional age limit. Is it right? This is the fundamental question we need to address, even before we can think of holding a referendum that is subject to mismanagement. By the way, did they consider the cost of holding a referendum?," he asked.

"The question of retirement is a moral issue. Emanuel Cardinal Wamala retired and remains the best preacher; when he starts to preach, you do not want him to finish. Bishop Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde also retired, but is still very useful. Chief Justice Emeritus Benjami Odoki has remained as intelligent as ever, even after retiring. Our dear religious leaders, you have studied all the Philosophy and Theology. To whom shall we run to if that is the stand you have taken?" he went on.

Background
Religious leaders under their umbrella organisation, the Inter-religious Council of Uganda, recently issued a statement on the proposed amendment of Article 102 (b) of the Constitution.

In their statement, the clerics proposed a referendum, arguing that the issue of removing the age limit was delicate and non-partisan, which was why it was  not ideal for politicians to monopolise it.

Christians raise sh18m
Meanwhile the Christians raised sh18m towards the preparations for the celebrations of Kiyinda-Mityana Catholic Diocesan Day, which will take place at Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral on November 26.