UJCC urges government to release political prisoners

18 April 2025, 6:44 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) has urged the government to release political prisoners. This call was made by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Kazimba Mugalu Mboowa, while preaching to believers gathered at Old Kampala Secondary School playground for the climax of the ecumenical Way of the Cross. The event, led by three faiths—The Orthodox Church, the Church of Uganda, and the Catholic Church—was a joint occasion. The message was delivered by the Chairman of the Council, Bishop Anthony Zziwa from the Catholic Church of Uganda, who also thanked believers for their participation.

“The Uganda Joint Christian Council was formed in 1963, following Uganda’s independence, and is composed of three members. Our dear people of God, we thank you for engaging in fasting, prayer, and giving during the period of Lent. We are grateful to God that the three church members are celebrating Easter together. May Jesus’ prayer for unity be realised more and more. The theme for this ecumenical public Way of the Cross is taken from Matthew 8:25. This theme reminds us that we need to be empowered by our Saviour to address the challenges we face,” he said.

“At the beginning of this year, we experienced an abnormal dry season, followed by floods in some parts of Kampala. Some people died, and we pray for their souls, as well as for the rehabilitation of the survivors. This was a result of environmental degradation. We must therefore be mindful that the effects of climate change are real, and we must consider the disasters that may follow. As people of God, we must be stewards and take the necessary steps to protect the environment and our mother earth,” he said.

On behalf of the UJCC, the Bishop called on those concerned to promote unity in diversity. “We need to calm all the storms that may destroy our peace. People in leadership positions or politics should endeavour to practise mutual respect and tolerance with their colleagues who may hold different philosophies or political affiliations. A Christian celebrating Easter this year should avoid evil manipulation and violence before, during, and after the electoral process that is to come this year and next year,” Bishop Zziwa said.

The Vice President, Retired Major Jesca Alupo, who was the chief guest, pledged the government’s support to the religious institutions. “As a government, we recognise the contribution of all religious institutions in shaping the moral compass and uprightness of the faithful. We acknowledge your efforts in supplementing the government in the delivery of education. I would like to use this opportunity to pledge, on behalf of the government, to continue extending total support to you as you perform your roles and responsibilities. Uganda is now peaceful, and therefore, we have a conducive environment to transform our country together and focus our efforts on transforming households,” she said. Alupo also confirmed that she will deliver the requests from the UJCC to the President and the entire government. She concluded by wishing everyone a blessed Easter holiday.