By Gilbert Akampa Gilbert,
Mbarara,
The Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese has issued a directive banning the operations of the Uganda Martyrs Lay Apostolate, also known as the Bakaiso devotion, within the archdiocese.
In a circular addressed to clergy, religious, and lay faithful, the Archbishop expressed concerns about the beliefs and practices of the devotion, citing interference with Catholic pastoral ministry and Christian life in some parishes.
While acknowledging the devotion’s presence in other dioceses, Archbishop Lambert cautioned pastoral agents in Mbarara against embracing the Bakaiso devotion without proper study and approval. He directed them not to allow recruitment of new members to the devotion until further notice.
The Archbishop’s move aims to ensure the faithful are not misled and that the integrity of Catholic teachings and practices are maintained. The ban affects all activities related to the Bakaiso devotion within the Mbarara Archdiocese until further guidance is issued.
