Bishop cautions against arresting people wearing red clothes

Students of Kisubi Mapeera entertain Bishop Paul Ssemwogerere as the school founder, Fr Vincent Mulumba looks on. Photos by Juliet Lukwago

The Bishop of Kasana Luweero, Paul Ssemwogerere, has asked Police to exercise caution when arresting people wearing red clothes, saying red is just a colour like any other.

Ssemwogerere made the call yesterday while preaching at Kisubi Mapeera Secondary School, off Entebbe road in Wakiso district.

Kisubi Mapeera Secondary School is named after Father Lourdel Montel. 

The school was founded in 1999 as a Catholic private school, owned by the Kampala Archdiocese. From the original three teachers and eight students the school has grown in size to become a community with over 1,000 students. The school is mixed with both O'level and A'level.

Bishop Ssemwogerere confirms students

The colour red has lately been associated with those against the proposed amendment of Article 102(b) of the Constitution that seeks to lift the presidential age limit. The current provision puts eligibility between 35 and 75 years. 

Several people, especially legislators, have donned red clothing and headbands to protest the amendment.

 "You cannot arrest people because they are dressed in red-colored clothes. People have freedom to dress in the colour they want, as long as they keep law and order," he said. 

Ssemwogerere said if Police makes blanket arrests of all those dressed in red, it will create an impression that the country is under tension, whereas its not the case.

At the same Holy Mass, which also coincided with the school's 18 anniversary, the bishop prayed for Senior Four and Six candidates preparing for their final examinations and also confirmed 20 students.  

Ssemwogerere commended the school founder, Fr Vincent Mulumba, teachers, management and parents who entrusted the school with their children for 18 years of its existence.  

He also asked the congregation to pray for the political leaders and condemned the fracas that played out in Parliament two weeks ago.