President Museveni's Strong Stand on Homosexuality and Uganda's Progress by Davis Owomugisha.
President Yoweri Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, delivered a powerful speech during the Uganda Martyrs Day Celebrations at Namugongo. He sternly warned against the promotion of homosexuality in Uganda, emphasizing the nation's strong stance against the practice. Museveni referred to Uganda as a "country of martyrs" and cautioned those supporting homosexuality that their actions would not be tolerated.
Recently, Western countries like Britain and the United States imposed sanctions on senior Ugandan officials, including Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, following the signing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law by President Museveni. In response, the World Bank suspended funding for critical projects in Uganda, stating that the law was meant to protect African traditional marriage and cultural values.
In his address, President Museveni highlighted the importance of fearing God, which he believes instills honesty, integrity, and self-control in believers. He argued that many societal evils, such as corruption, embezzlement, and murder, result from a lack of godly guidance. He praised believers and religious leaders for denouncing sectarianism based on religion and tribes, a significant cause of chaos in Uganda before the NRM government took power in 1986.
Museveni expressed satisfaction with the formation of the Inter-Religious Council, which he attributed to the NRM government's influence. He urged believers to work towards improving their welfare through wealth creation, stating that poverty should not be associated with strong faith. He recalled opposing the belief that God would provide for those who do not work, a stance he held since the 1960s.
The President also addressed the youth, encouraging them to focus on transformative ideas for Uganda and Africa instead of spending excessive time on unproductive activities like watching European football. He emphasized the importance of African youth being aware of and participating in the continent's integration efforts.
Reiterating his stance against corruption, Museveni promised to collaborate with the Church to complete the construction of the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja praised the President for maintaining peace and security, enabling smooth celebrations of Uganda Martyrs Day without any major incidents.
During the celebrations, the Archbishop-elect of the Gulu Archdiocese and Apostolic Bishop of Nebbi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Fr. Raphael P’Mony Wokorach, led the eucharistic celebration of mass. He compared the story of the Uganda Martyrs to those who chose to trust in the Lord. The Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco, conveyed a message from Pope Francis, emphasizing the significance of the martyrs' faith and courage.
Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of the Kampala Archdiocese thanked the Archdiocese of Nebbi for leading this year's Martyrs Day celebrations. He called on believers to emulate the Uganda Martyrs by choosing the path of virtue and righteousness, highlighting the need to address societal issues like immorality, corruption, and embezzlement.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, senior government officials, cultural leaders including the Alur King Philip Olarker Rauni III, and pilgrims from various countries like Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
President Museveni's speech underscored Uganda's firm stance on homosexuality, the importance of godly values, and the need for societal and economic progress. The Uganda Martyrs Day Celebrations served as a reminder of the nation's resilience, unity, and commitment to faith.
Story by Davis Owomugisha Kanzikwera
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