The Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the resurgence of torture and other human rights abuses in Uganda, warning that the situation has left many citizens living in fear.
Bishop Jjumba made the remarks while leading Holy Mass for pilgrims at the St. Charles Lwanga Spiritual and Tourism Centre in Birinzi, Butende Parish, Masaka District, during the annual diocesan pilgrimage.
The Bishop said many Ugandans are currently burdened by numerous challenges, including hardships within families, shortcomings in leadership, prolonged drought, and economic difficulties. However, he noted that the most worrying development is the return of alleged acts of torture by some security personnel.
”It is unfortunate that the very people entrusted with protecting citizens and maintaining peace are now causing fear and suspicion among the population through acts of torture and human rights violations,” he said.
The Bishop however urged Christians not to lose hope. He encouraged believers to carry their daily burdens with courage, drawing inspiration from the faith and sacrifice of St. Charles Lwanga and the teachings of Jesus Christ, who calls upon the weary and burdened to come to Him.
Bishop Jjumba prayed that God would touch the hearts of those responsible for violating human rights so that they abandon acts that undermine the dignity of every person, whether children or adults.
During the pilgrimage, 13 seminarians were presented as candidates for major orders. They are Sem. Joseph Babaale, Sem. Lawrence Bbamba, Sem. Matia Kibira, Sem. Benedict Kisekka Matovu, Sem. Barnabas Lukanga, Sem. Valeriano Masengere, Sem. Joachim Mawanda, Sem. Patrick Muleeto, Sem. Emmanuel Musaazi, Sem. Deogratias Wangi, Sem. John Mary Sseggonje, Godfrey Ssempijja, and Frank Wakulira.
Bishop Jjumba reminded the candidates that they had reached a critical stage in their vocation that requires sincere discernment and a firm commitment to serving God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
He explained that God assigns every person a unique responsibility in life and provides the grace necessary to fulfill it.
He noted that just as fathers are called to lead their families and teachers are entrusted with educating the young, those preparing for ordained ministry must faithfully embrace their calling with dedication and humility.
The pilgrimage attracted thousands of faithful, religious leaders, and civil leaders, many of whom contributed generously towards the continued development of the St. Charles Lwanga Spiritual and Tourism Centre, Birinzi.
During the celebrations, Bishop Jjumba officially handed over the management of the development project to the Diocesan Men’s Guild. Construction of a perimeter wall is currently underway to enhance the security of the site, while plans are also in progress to build a residence for clergy to ensure priests are always available to provide spiritual guidance and retreats for pilgrims.
Every year, during the first week of July, Masaka Diocese organizes a pilgrimage to Birinzi to commemorate St. Charles Lwanga, who was born there in 1865 before being martyred at Namugongo on June 3, 1886.
