Diocese of Kigezi bans political campaigning in Churches

DIOCESE OF KIGEZI  POLITICS  CHURCHES

The Diocese of Kigezi has put a halt on all political activities from Church premises.

This comes at a time when most politicians in the region had started expressing interest in representing the electorate at different levels in the fourth coming elections.

According to the Diocese of Kigezi Bishop, Eng. George Bagamuhunda, the decision is aimed at restoring order in churches and ensuring unity amongst Christians.

"Most people come to Church to pray to God and get spiritual relief from their daily challenges.  Some political messages at Church may hurt such innocent Christians instead of giving them their main intention," he said.

The Bishop added that politicians need to wait for the Electoral commission roadmap that allows campaigning from designated places and they ought to desist from disrespecting places of worship.

"When the right time comes, the electoral commission will announce the specific venues for campaigns. There is no justifiable reason as to why politicians should be using church premises to advance their motives," he added.

Bagamuhunda however said that the current leaders will always be allowed to use church platforms to deliver messages from government to Christians.

Priests in the Diocese of Kigezi receivng a band salute after a recent service. (Photo by Job Namanya)

 

"We shall only be praying for those intending to stand for blessings from the altar every time there is a Church function. We need our people to keep united in Church and we receive God's blessing," said Bagamuhunda.

This directive has however attracted mixed reaction among Christians with some supporting it while others feel it is not fair to the expectations of a free society.

Kate Baryayanga, one of the Christians and the district councilor for Northern division in Kabale municipality said that the decision by the diocese is appropriate since it is mean to streamline worshipping.

"As long as the Diocese feels this is right for the betterment of worshipping here, we have no problem with it since every institution has a way it does its things," she said.

However, Julius Barusya, the Kamuganguzi Sub-county councilor noted that if the Church is to restrict politicians 

"If the Church does not want politicians to advance their interests, they should desist from inviting them for their functions," he said.

Enid Origumisiriza, an aspirant for the Kabale district Woman Member of Parliament seat said that if they are not given a platform to express their interests, it limits their ability to get exposed in their potential voters.