By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
REGIONAL
Christians across the world have celebrated Easter in person after 2 years of COVID-19 lockdown.
For the past two years, christians celebrated Easter Sunday through Online or under strict observances of social distance – COVID-19 guideline as per World Health organisation.
But on Sunday 17th April, 2O22, christians from almost all states of the world celebrated this day in full capacities.
In Uganda, christians joined the rest of the world in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ celebrating the defeat of death and the hope of salvation.
In Bunyoro region, known for its economic mineral riches, religious leaders have preached among other things forceful land evictions, abuse of offices calling for peace, harmony, honesty and reconciliations in the country.
Rev. Capt Rodgers Kazooba Amooti, a priest at Kyarusheisha Church of Uganda in his Easter Sunday sermon siad he is disgruntled to the increasing cases of illegal land evictions of the innocent poor Ugandans by the rich people who use their powers to abuse the rights of others
“…people are badly praying for you to vacate the offices you occupy because they have been used to grab their land, extort from the poor and in human torture. We have made other people to suffer because of the powers Christ has bestowed upon us,” said Rev Capt Kazooba
The reverend has asked christians to become good listeners, honest in their daily lives as well as loving and caring for one another – the greatest commandment of Jesus.
It should be known that with the exploration of minerals; Oil in Bunyoro region and its tourism status, many individuals including government officials have in over the last decade rushed to Bunyoro to buy chunks of land and hundreds of hectares of land are reportedly owned illegally by guising investors. This has made ordinary Banyoro internally displaced, squatters and homeless on their own land.
In his homily, Rev. Fr Godfrey Zuwa, asked christians to live a life of Christ and become good examples of christianity.
“This resurrection requires us to forgive one another, ask for forgiveness and love one another”‘, Christ is risen and he is asking us to become new creatures in christ.”
Fr. Zuwa was preaching during Holy Mass at Our Lady of Fatima catholic parish in Kizarafumbi.
The Canon Designate at Kizarafumbi CoU, Rev. Shem Kirya Abwooli does not also give ample time to influencers of land grabbing in the region. He has told christians to work for heaven.
“The life of heaven starts with this earthly life . Its what you do on earth that will determine your position after death; in hell or to eternal life,’ he said
He warned christians not to overly on to earthly pleasures such as alcoholism, adultery, witchcraft, stealing from the poor but in stead, deal with life in eternity.
“The resurrection of Jesus Christ should be meaningful to christians especially after this life, God wants you to repent the sins that separates you from him”, he added
At Ebenezer International Ministries in Kyangwali, Pr John Araali Bamwenda, who also doubles as the youth chairperson for Kyangwali sub-county in Kikuube District, has prayed for peace, stabity and harmony in the country.
Using Biblical illusions in the Book of Ecclesiastes 9:11, Bamwenda asked Ugandans to enjoy and spend responsibly and save for the future.
“I urge christians to enjoy and spend responsibly planning for tomorrow, tje youth should work hard so that tomorrow you are not asked what you did when others were prospering than you,”
In relation to Pr Bamwenda’s teachings on hard-working, Fr Zuwa, who is also a tutor at St. Joseph’s Technical School under Munteme Catholic Parish Hoima Diocese has called for youth skilling in Bunyoro sub-region.
“I appeal to parents and guardians to send their children in technical and vocational schools like St. Joseph’s Technical School to acquire life skills which will enable them create own jobs,” he urged.
Bishop Joramu Kabagambe, the Bishop of Restoration of Worship Ministries in Uganda did not deviate from other preachers, he told christians that Christ has risen in their families, businesses and other works stating that they will not remain the same.
He asked christians to confess their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their personal saviour as well as hope to salvation.
Easter is one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, after his crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection three days later. The significance of Easter is Jesus Christ’s triumph over death a symbol in the christian faith that he conquered death and redeemed humanity from sin.
