Let govt agencies do their work - Mayiga

The Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga has implored the government to let its institutions and agencies established by law, to do their work without interference from the state.

Speaking to Christians during the Christmas mass at the Lubaga Cathedral in Kampala, Mayiga noted that the government has established similar agencies to those that are recognized by law, which causes a crash in roles by these agencies.

"We should leave these agencies to do their job. Police is supposed to enforce law and order, when it fails, support it. But when it fails and you bring the Local Defense Unit (LDUs) and before you know it, they are killing people," Mayiga said.

Mayiga noted that with adequate financial support, agencies like the Anti-corruption Unit, courts of law, can be able to handle cases referred to them without necessary setting up agencies with similar mandates to deal with matters such as corruption and land cases which can be dealt with by agencies recognized by law.

 "If we make institutions such as Police, courts of law work, if we build and give them competent people and logistic support, the country will overcome the challenges it is facing," Mayiga said.

The Christmas Mass at Lubaga, which was led by the Kampala Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, was attended by hundreds of Christians including local and national leaders.

The state minister of education in charge of higher education, John Chrysostom Muyingo, represented the central government.

In his sermon, Archbishop Kizito Lwanga implored the believers to practice peace and honest especially during the festive season.

"We should be peaceful people in our homes and communities. Christmas should be a time for personal renewal as we enter into the New Year," Lwanga said as he delivered his days' sermon.

Drawing his message from the book of Isaiah 52:7-10, Lwanga said' Jesus' birth gave value to human life, which believers should rejoice in.

Lwanga said; "Jesus' birth, gave value to our human life, which we must promote according to his will".

Lwanga also implored the government to observe people's human rights which he said were being abused.

He expressed concern over the increased cases of Murder, rape and corruption which he said should be dealt with for a safe Uganda.

Electoral laws

The Archbishop further urged the government and Parliament to speed up the consideration of electoral reforms currently before Parliament, for free and fair general elections in 2021.

He noted that Ugandans, especially the opposition are anxious and at the same time worried about the possibility of free and fair elections without proper electoral laws.

Lwanga also condemned the rampant land evictions, where those in power have abused their authority to evict poor Ugandans.

Kawere Ludovic and Achilles playing the violin during the mass. Photo by Wilfred Sanya

He also decried cases of domestic violence, high levels of poverty, and environmental degradation among other injustices affecting Ugandans, which he said must be addressed.

Skills development

Delivering a message from the government, Muyingo commended the Catholic Church for its continued working relationship with the state.

To fight poverty and unemployment, Muyingo noted that the government would next academic year, revisit the school curriculum for lower secondary education to equip students with entrepreneurial skills.

"We want to ensure that by the time a student gets out of school, they have something to do for themselves," Muyingo said.

He appealed to Ugandans to celebrate the festivities, in a responsible manner, bearing in mind the January expenses which include school fees.

Meanwhile, Mayiga informed the faithful that the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, had picked Lubaga Cathedral, for his 2020, 65^th birthday prayers, set for April 13, 2020.