{UAH} Religious wars breed disunity – President

President Yoweri Museveni has urged Ugandans to refrain from religious
wars because they promote disunity which directly affects development.

"Since the National Resistance Movement came into power it has never
supported religious wars. Even during the liberation struggle we had
people of different beliefs including the non
believers, that's why we were able to succeed. I therefore request
that you desist from such wars" he said.

The President was on Oct. 14 addressing thousands of pilgrims at Our
lady of Fatima Kijjukizo Catholic Parish Church in Kabula Sub County
in Lyantonde District during the celebrations of the Catholic day in
Catholic Community. The Catholic Evangelization of this area was
started in 1891 by the White Fathers and suffered various religious
conflicts before finally settling down with Archbishop H. Steitcher as
the first pillar here in 1891 and 1939. In 1939 – 1961, the
establishment of Masaka as a distinct ecclesiastical territory under
its first African Bishop Joseph.Kiwanuka started and later in 1961 the
dawn of national independence, which coincided with the beginning of
Bishop Adrian Ddungu's episcopate and the introduction of Church
Renewal by Vatican II.

The President congratulated the Catholic Community in general upon
this day and of remembering the Holy Mary and her contribution to
fighting the religious differences during trying times in the Church.

Invoking a Luganda proverb kabbo kamuwala kagenda kajudde Kadda
kajudde (A girls' gift basket is sent full and returned full),
President Museveni commended the people of Lyantonde, Rakai and
Kiruhura, for their unconditional support towards the National
Resistance Movement and the overwhelming votes during elections.

He donated 20 million shillings towards the procurement of sitting
facilities in the Church and pledged another 27 million shillings for
sanitary facilities that will help pilgrims freshen up after their
trek.

His lordship the Rt. Rev Bishop John Baptist Kagwa commended the
government for partnering with the church to develop the education
sector through infrastructural support. He challenged teachers,
parents and students to play their respective roles to ensure that
academic standards in the district are uplifted.

The President also commissioned the Mugumya Remigius Memorial hall.
The 350 million shillings facility was erected with the president's
support in his effort to improve education in the community.

Bishop Kagwa also requested that Kijukizo Health centre III at the
Parish be upgraded to a Health Centre IV with a laboratory, surgical
wing and an Anti Retrovirals (ARVS) facility. The President promised
to consider the request after meeting with the technical experts to
discuss the intricacies involved.

Various Members of Parliament including that of Kabula County
Hon.James Kakooza, that of Bukoto Mid-West, Hon Abdul Kittata, and the
Woman Member of Parliament Grace Namara among others.

END