PHOTO: Hon. Kasozi (in suit) delivers a lorry full of cement to Namirembe Bishop Kityo Luwalira towards the construction of Mission House
NEWS EDITOR
THE Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira, Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Church of Uganda is saddened about the increase of trumped-up charges especially against opposition politicians asking authorities that during this Christmas season they should demonstrate peace, love and freedom not hatred.
The Namirembe Diocese head was preaching during Bishop’s Christmas Carols service held at his residence on Saturday 18th December 2021. Diocesan Mission Secretary Rev. Samuel Muwonge was the overall organiser and Master of Ceremony.
Choirs from St. Peters Kamuli church, Gospel Elite Crescendo, Katuuso Church Choir, God Given Choir and Sound of Grace Band owned by Bishop Luwalira’s daughters, sang the Christmas Carols.
This function was also used to fundraise for the Mission House at Namirembe Diocese Headquaters which is under construction.
Former Makindye East legislator Ibrahim Biribawa Kasozi who political analysts say is eyeing Kampala Lord mayoral seat in 2026, handed over 200 bags of cement to Bishop Kityo Luwalira towards the construction of Mission House.
Luwalira said, many of people on trumped-up charges are rotting in prisons yet they were falsely accused, calling on authorities not to just use this season for celebrations, buying plenty of things to appease their families but to repent, have respect for human rights and treat all people equally in regard to political affliation, gender and tribe.
In attendance were the officials from Central government, Mengo government, Members of Parliament, officials from Judiciary, business fraternity, Heads of schools with an Anglican foundation and other invited guests.
Bishop Luwalira who is known for being an open minded and transparent servant of God said, “Jesus is the reason for this festive season, he brought peace and love, let’s us embrace him and desist from acts of selfishness, torturing those you don’t agree with and creating false charges against them. This is a season of freedom, love and forgiveness.”
The Bishop who sounded as if he was referring to Thursday’s Kayunga district LCV by elections fracas where four members of Parliament who subscribe to opposition NUP party and over 50 other people were arrested and detained at Naggalama Police Station said, “I am aware, even other people were arrested these days on trumped-up charges. This is against the essence of Christmas.”
“We pray for the world, which is already Christ’s, that those who bear responsibility for wellbeing of the nations may be inspired by the message of Christmas to work together in the cause of justice, freedom and peace.” Said Bishop Luwalira.
Among those in attendence was; State minister for ICT Joyce Nabbosa Ssebuggwawo, Lady Justice Wilfred Nabisinde, Mengo Kingdom’s 2nd deputy Premier Owek. Wagwa Nsibirwa, Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Sseggona, Lubaga Mayor Mberaze Zacky Mawula, Diocesan Secretary Rev. Can. Henry Ssegawa, Kings College Buddo HM John Fred Kazibwe, Mengo Senior HM Nantajja, Luzira HM Ssenyimba, Rev. Lutaaya (Katwe Martyrs), Rev. Kakooza, Rev. Kiyingi, Pr. Aron Mutebi (Entebbe Miracle Centre), among others. They all contributed towards the construction of Mission House.
‘OPEN YOUR EARS OR PERISH’ – HON. KASOZI TELLS GOV’T ABOUT BISHOP LUWALIRA’S MESSAGE
Addressing media shortly after the function, Hon. Ibrahim Kasozi who turned down questions about his intention to contest for Lord mayorship in 2026, saluted Luwalira for his wonderful message against increased injustice and violation of human rights in Uganda.
He said, “As a leader, I want to thank Namirembe Bishop for the good message today. Namirembe has great historical background, late Archbishop Janan Luwum stood at this hill to speak out against bad governance and advised the then authorities on how to live harmoniously with the people they lead.”
“Look at today’s message by Bishop Luwalira. It’s a wake up call to the NRM government. They went for a guerilla war due to vote rigging in 1980 General elections. But if you followed well what transpired in Kayunga this week, malpractice marred this election. Votes were rigged, opposition supporters arrested, people were clobbered by security officers, you can’t say this was a free and fair election. So if leaders can open their ears to what the bishop has preached, we will together enjoy our country. If they remain adamant, then they will perish.”
Earlier Hon. Kasozi told congregation at Bishop’s home that when Rt. Rev. Kityo Luwalira invited him to attend this function, he felt so much privileged.
“True leaders must serve all the people without discrimination. During service delivery, all must benefit. Through my political life, I have been getting unmeasured support from Anglican Church, Catholic Church, Seventh Day Adventist Church, The Pentecostal churches and Muslims. And whenever called for any financial drive, I don’t ask which religion are you, I just give away as God has provided un to me.” Kasozi told the gathering.
Unveiling his contribution towards the construction of Mission House, Hon. Kasozi said, “We have managed to contribute towards church constructions, my brothers and sisters from Kansanga church of Uganda can bear me a witness. Today I have come with 200 bags of Cement and pledge to add on more 100 bags of cement on behalf of my beloved mother Jessica Biribawa.”
Kasozi a staunch Moslim said Islam doesn’t stop them from relating with non moslems in anyway provided it’s not against Islam faith.
Talking about his zeal to support construction of places of worship, he told journalists that, “One day I was heading to my farm in Mityana and I stopped on the way at Namukozi to greet Dr. Steven Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, then Bishop Mityana Diocese. He was supervising construction work at Namukozi church.”
The way Kasozi was dressed-up, Dr. Kaziimba didn’t recognise that he was a member of Parliament.
“He took me around the church under construction and when I was leaving, I gave him money for 100 bags of cement. He was so happy when I introduced my self.” Said Hon. Kasozi.
Insiders say, this FDC Party young man is expected to contest for Lord mayor in 2026 and consultations are ongoing both in his party and other friendly forces in opposition for alliance.
We are told, Ssalongo Erias Lukwago has already whispered to his close friends that he is considering not to run for the fourth term.
About Kasozi’s chances to win city Lord mayor ship will be story for another day.
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