Archbishop Ssemogerere urges post-election healing, unity

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The Pontifical Easter High Mass at Lubaga Cathedral was presided over by the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere, who in his homily asked the Catholic faithful and all Ugandans to use the Easter season and its associated joy to heal wounds and overcome the bitterness, hatred and divisions that characterised the recently concluded political campaigns and election.

The prelate also asked Christians to continue praying and extending love, compassion and care to the needy and vulnerable people, as they have been doing during Lent.

"Jesus ' resurrection brings new life, hope and forgiveness of sins. We are invited to focus on things of heaven. Let's walk in the light of the resurrection and be strengthened in faith. Seek the intercession of Mary and the Uganda Martyrs," he said on Sunday (April 5).

Moral decline

Ssemogerere urged Christians to turn away from wrongdoing and refocus on spiritual values, warning that society is increasingly preoccupied with temporary, earthly pursuits. He said recent disturbing incidents in the country reflect a departure from the Gospel teachings of Jesus Christ.

"Jesus' resurrection puts it to us to come out of our evil ways and focus on the heavenly kingdom. Today, many people are focusing on earthly things which are temporary."

He cited the gruesome murder of innocent children on April 2, 2026, in Ggaba, Kampala, as an example, noting the disturbing contradiction of the suspect being identified as a Christian.

Ssemogerere emphasised that the risen Christ condemned sin and called on believers to seek the strength to overcome destructive behaviour.

"Let us pray that He gives us the grace and power to overcome all our evil habits, such as injustice, hatred, corruption, immorality, sexual promiscuity and perversion, insincerity, tribalism, disrespect and disregard for other people, exploitation, domination and repression of the poor and vulnerable people, violence and the use of force to grab what belongs to others, character assassination, indiscipline on roads, and so forth,"

He further expressed concern that wrongdoing has become normalised in society, with some people even taking pride in it.

He cited the common city jargon, 'okuyisaamu eggaali', which can refer to verbal attacks or character assassination of an opponent, noting that some people now use it openly without fear or shame.

He amused the congregation when he revealed that he had recently fallen victim to the vice.

"Nange emabegako awo bampisaamu eggaali', he said, provoking laughter among the congregation.

Ssemogerere later delivered the message that Pope Leo XIV gave to Catholic bishops for Ugandans during their encounter with him in Rome last month.

He said Pope Leo XIV was deeply impressed by the growth of the Catholic faith in Uganda and the zealous participation of its members, particularly young people, in church activities.

Kabaka’s Easter message

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, also condemned the recent killing of four children in Ggaba and called for justice. He thanked the Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, for visiting the childcare centre and consoling the affected families and staff.

Mayiga later delivered the Easter message of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, emphasising the need for the government to improve universal healthcare services and urging Ugandans to adopt healthy lifestyles, including regular exercise and medical check-ups.

He said the Kabaka had also advised authorities to take preventive action against those operating businesses in unauthorised places and those constructing in wetlands, instead of waiting to demolish structures after completion.

Referring further to the Kabaka’s message, Mayiga called for consistent and non-discriminatory enforcement of laws, including regulations on noise pollution.

He also appealed to Ugandans, particularly men, to participate in this year’s Kabaka’s Run, which aims to raise awareness and accelerate efforts to end HIV/AIDS by 2030.

Higher education state minister Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo paid tribute to Catholic clerics, especially chaplains in schools and higher institutions, for their role in guiding students to understand and participate in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

General duties minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Justine Kasule Lumumba, speaking on behalf of the government, emphasised the need for unity and harmony among Ugandans.

She said the NRM government was ready to work with all people, including those in opposition, in efforts to improve livelihoods.

Lumumba defended government action against illegal structures and businesses operating in unauthorised areas, saying the measures were intended to restore order and promote development.

She urged Ugandans to comply with the law, adding that any irregularities arising during enforcement would be addressed. She also called for counselling for those who lost elections.

The Pontifical Easter Mass was attended by several dignitaries from central government and the Buganda Kingdom, including former Katikkiro Joseph Mulwanyamuli Ssemwogerere, Kampala state minister Joseph Kyofatogabye, Fred Omach, Wakiso district chairperson Dr Matia Lwanga Bwanika, Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake, Rubaga South MP-elect Eugenia Nassolo, among others.

Members of the Lubaga Cathedral National Foundation, led by their chairperson Prof. Jane Mulema, also attended the Mass.