Archbishop Lwanga cautions on negative publicity

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KAMPALA - The Archbishop of Kampala, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, has expressed concern over the negative reporting about Uganda's state of affairs, which he says affects the country's international standing.

Lwanga said whereas there are isolated cases of human rights violation, both the international and local media portray the country as "utterly inhabitable".

"On Saturday I received a delegation from Germany, but they were surprised to discover that the negative portrayal of the country by both the local and international media was totally different from what they observed. They saw a peaceful and developing country," he said.

Lwanga, however, hastened to add that although it was important to maintain the country's reputation on the international level as a means of boasting trade and foreign relations, the Government should work on reducing its excesses.

Archbishop Lwanga blessing the congregation after mass

 
"The continued harassment of opposition leaders is difficult to ignore yet it gives a bad impression about Uganda to the international community. The President (Yoweri Museveni) should be cautious about his advisors, especially on security matters because that is where the problem comes from," said Lwanga.

Lwanga made the remarks on Sunday at St Padre Pio Catholic Parish Kabulamuliro off Entebbe Road in Wakiso during events to mark six years since the parish was established.

The function was attended by number of dignities, including the government chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa, managing director of Centenary Bank, Fabian Kasi, Justice Joseph Murangira, Wakiso district chairman Matia Lwanga Bwanika and businessman John Ssebalamu.

"Whenever Bobi Wine and (Kizza) Besigye are beaten or tortured, they are given publicity and the image the world takes is not good," Lwanga noted. 

Justice Joseph Murangira greets Archbishop Lwanga as Kampala businessman John Ssebalamu looks on

 
The prelate asked Nankabirwa: "Is it fair to keep arresting them with no clear charges? Those who are doing it are destroying what NRM brought. They should stop it; do you want to bring back what you fought against?"

Lwanga, however, praised the National Resistance Movement(NRM) and congratulated it upon its 34th anniversary.

Nankabirwa contributed sh2m towards the construction taking place of St Padre Pio new church, which needs over sh1b.

The Archbishop was assisted by several priests, including his former classmates Barnabas Magezi from Masaka Diocese, Fr. Emmanuel Ssempeera from Comboni Missionary, Arua; Kabulamuliro Parish Priest Fr. Francis Sseguya and the chairman of priests in Kampala Archdiocese, Fr Francis Xavier Kikomeko.