The Observer, Kampala – The Catholic bishop of Kasana-Luweero diocese, Paul Ssemogerere, has berated security agencies over what he called excessive disrespect for human dignity in the year 2013.
The bishop fears that the seemingly ‘macho’ use of force by security agents could lead to a violent generation, with serious repercussions for the country. Speaking during the Christmas Mass at the diocesan Cathedral, Bishop Ssemogerere singled out the treatment by the state security operatives of opposition and critical politicians.
“How can you lift a honourable member, in Parliament, without feeling ashamed, that you are being watched world over, by people you should be exemplary to, especially the would-be leaders of tomorrow?” he said.
He was apparently referring to the incident in October, when Kyadondo East MP Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda was manhandled by security men on the orders of Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.
The bishop, who addressed an attentive congregation for an hour, said that contrary to the love preached by Christ, the ending year had witnessed too much violence. He expressed concern that publically manhandling people, especially opposition politicians, would instill a heartless feeling among young people.
They would conclude that anyone, no matter their status, can be treated anyhow. This, the bishop warned, can fuel violence in resolving conflicts.
“I thought we are under the rule of law, but with such acts by security personnel, it’s the contrary. Therefore, if we claim that the current government is prioritising rule of law, it should be practical or else we think that we are going back into the harsh old days of the late Idi Amin’s regime,” he said.
Mbabazi talks:
In Kanungu Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi told the Christmas congregation that he was still committed to talks with the opposition, meant to resolve the Kampala Capital City Authority impasse.
Parliamentary Opposition leader Nathan Nandala-Mafabi recently said the talks had collapsed, accusing unnamed officials on the government side of delaying tactics, and leaking details of the meetings to KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi. But, according to a press release from his office, Mbabazi told the Christians that the talks needed time to yield an agreeable deal.
The prime minister, speaking at his local Karubeizi parish church, also addressed the issue of South Sudan, the two-year-old nation now engulfed by a civil war. Former vice-president Riek Machar, who has suddenly transformed into a rebel leader, has accused Uganda of sending in troops to bomb his positions as he battles the government of President Salva Kiir.
But Mbabazi disputed this: “Our army (UPDF) did not go to South Sudan to fight but to stop the carnage there… The people of South Sudan got independence just two years ago but they are already fighting on ethnic and tribal lines.”
Mbabazi urged the Church of Uganda to lead prayers for peace in South Sudan.
