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| Procession from the Basilica with the Relics of the Martyrs |
The Catholic Bishops of Uganda applauded the Ugandan Government for ensuring maximum security during the Uganda Martyrs Celebrations
Speaking from Kampala, the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC) Communications Secretary, Fr. Philip Odii said, “On behalf of all Ugandan Bishops, the Archbishop of Kampala, Most Rev. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga profusely thanked the President of Uganda Yuweri Kaguta Museveni for ensuring that maximum security was maintained throughout the period of the celebrations; that is from the time when pilgrims started arriving at Namugongo till the end of the celebrations on the 3rd June.”
Archbishop Lwanga also thanked the President; his Vice President Mr. Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, and the Prime Minister of Uganda Mr. Amama Mbabazi for attending the celebrations on 3rdJune 2014.
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| Uganda anti-terrorist Police keeping vigil while at Namugongo |
Fr. Philip told AMECEA Online News that security was indeed tight, that the anti-terrorist police and the military personnel had been patrolling the area around Namugongo for days long before the material day of the celebrations.
He said that during the celebrations on 3rd June, the telephone lines and some radio stations were cut off air to ensure maximum security. “There had been warning against terrorists attack during the month of May and June and therefore, the government security agents did not leave anything to chance,” Fr. Philip said adding that “Throughout the celebrations, speaker after speaker cautioned people to remain vigilant and not take anything for granted. At the end of the day, no incidents of insecurity scare were reported.”
Meanwhile Bishop Giuseppe Filippi of Kotido who was the Main Celebrant during the
Eucharistic celebrations warned the Ugandans against worshiping money and power. “Uganda would be the best country to live in, if there was no corruption. “If we say no to injustice, our communities will live in peace and harmony," he said.
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| Liturgical Dancers at the elebrations |
The Bishop urged the rich to share their wealth with the poor as he cited the Uganda Martyrs, who were committed to sharing what they had learnt with others and opened their houses to the sick.
President Museveni challenged religious leaders to champion the fight against poverty by embracing programs geared towards improving household incomes.
Source: AMECEA Social Communications and UEC Communications Office