The Kampala Archbishop, Paul Ssemwogerere, has appealed to politicians to refrain from involving the clergy in political matters, urging them to focus on their duties while allowing the church to continue its spiritual role.
Speaking during the commemoration of 146 years of Catholic faith in Uganda at the Kigungu Pilgrimage, Archbishop Ssemwogerere emphasized that the clergy’s role is to pray for politicians, offer spiritual guidance, and help people lead better lives not to engage in politics.
“Don’t say that let the Bishop speak on our behalf, just tell me to pray for you. Don’t put me on the microphone to speak for you. Our role is to pray and guide people to be good people. So please don’t pull us into politics,” he told the politicians,
The Archbishop made it clear that the church has its hands full with its primary duty to provide spiritual support to all, without being dragged into the often contentious world of politics.
Archbishop Ssemwogerere also took the opportunity to speak out on behalf of political prisoners, particularly Dr. Kizza Besigye, who is currently under detention.
He called for authorities to ensure that Dr. Besigye receives adequate medical care, expressing that it would be a grave injustice if something were to happen to him while his health concerns remained unresolved.
The man of God further urged the government to serve justice fairly for all political prisoners.
The ceremony at Kigungu Pilgrimage, which brought together a wide array of political figures, also featured prayers for unity and peace.
The Archbishop urged the gathering to work toward a harmonious society where justice prevails for all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
He reinforced the importance of the church’s spiritual role in society, advocating for a clear separation between religion and politics while calling for compassion and fairness in the handling of political matters.
