The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Dr. Steven Kaziimba Mugalu has asked everyone, including minister implicated in the Karamoja iron sheets saga to return what he termed as belongings for the poor.
“For the matter of corruption, we talk and talk and talk about this challenge in our country, but nothing seems to change. There is no power greater than death. Corruption is a strong force, but it is not stronger than death,”Dr.Kaziimba said.
“ If we really feared this God who rose from the dead to empower us, we would not steal things that do not belong to us. We would not demand bribes, nor offer bribes. We would not take iron sheets we know were intended for the under-served in Karamoja. We would not steal things from people who have even less than us. How can you steal from your brother or sister when you fear God? It’s not possible.”
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda was on Thursday giving his Easter message at Namirembe.
Quoting Luke 19:8 and the story of Zaccheus the corrupt tax collectors who defrauded people by overcharging them, Kaziimba said after seeing the light, he returned what belonged to people.
Dr.Kaziimba urged the Ugandan ministers to return the iron sheets because they belong to the poor
“After encountering Jesus, Zaccheus returned everything he had stolen and topped up with four what he had stolen. For any of you who have taken anything that is not yours, I call upon you to return it and top-up with something extra. It does not have to be Zaccheus’ four times the amount. However, do top-up something,” Dr. Kaziimba said.
“Corruption is a matter of personal integrity. It is a matter of greed and entitlement. But, it is far more than that. You must answer to a holy and all-powerful God. Do you fear Him? If you feared Him, you would trust that He has risen to empower you to follow the Bible’s command. Do the right thing and return whatever you have taken and add a top-up.”
The development comes hours after the Minister for Karamoja, Mary Goretti Kitutu was sent to Luzira prison over the iron sheets saga.
The minister was on Friday arraigned before the Anti Corruption court and charges related to corruption, conspiracy to defraud and loss of government property read to her.
Kitutu was charged alongside her brother, Michael Kitutu Naboya who is accused of receiving iron sheets from the minister yet they were proceeds of crime.
Several government officials including the Vice President, Prime Minister, Finance Ministers Matia Kasaija, Amos Lugoloobi, Speaker Anita Among, Karamoja State Minister, Agnes Nandutu among others have been implicated in benefitting from the diverted Karamoja iron sheets.
However, most of these have put the blame on Minister Kitutu saying they never solicited for the iron sheets but rather found their way to their constituencies.
