Christians in Jinja City gathered in large numbers at Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe to celebrate Easter Sunday, with the Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Grace Lubaale, using the occasion to call for reconciliation, courage, and political tolerance.
Delivering his sermon during the Easter prayers, Bishop Lubaale urged believers to cast away fear and embrace hope, drawing from the Gospel of Matthew 28:5: “Do not be afraid.” He emphasized that the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolizes victory over fear and adversity, encouraging Christians to remain steadfast in their faith despite life’s challenges.
The celebrations marked Bishop Lubaale’s first Easter as head of the Busoga Diocese since his consecration and enthronement on December 14 last year.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the service, the bishop made a direct appeal to President Yoweri Museveni to release all individuals detained on politically related charges. He argued that, with the conclusion of the recent political season, it is time for the country to move toward healing and unity.
“The period of political contestation has ended. This is the moment for both the government and the opposition to engage in dialogue and agree on the release of those detained,” Bishop Lubaale said.
He stressed that political opposition should not be criminalized, describing it as an essential component of a functioning democracy.
“Competing with the government should not be considered a crime, but rather a fundamental principle of democracy,” he added, urging the President to use his constitutional powers to grant amnesty where necessary.
Meanwhile, the Katukiro of Busoga, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, used the same platform to raise concerns over agricultural policy, particularly a directive issued by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja banning the use of weighbridges for sugarcane in villages.
Dr. Muvawala warned that the directive could have far-reaching economic consequences for farmers in the Busoga sub-region, where sugarcane remains a key cash crop.
“Weighbridges have been instrumental in ensuring fairness and transparency in the sugarcane trade. Their removal risks undermining farmers’ incomes,” he said.
He questioned why similar restrictions have not been applied to other crops, arguing that the policy appears inconsistent and potentially discriminatory.
“Weighing scales for other crops are not banned, so why the ban on weighbridges?” he asked.
Dr. Muvawala further pointed out that although the new sugar law sets the minimum price of sugarcane at Shs125,000 per tonne, its implementation remains weak.
He also cited the lack of government support in the form of fertilizers for sugarcane farmers, contrasting it with assistance extended to coffee growers.
“For coffee farmers, the government provides fertilizers. The same support should be extended to sugarcane farmers,” he said, urging authorities to adopt policies that strengthen rather than hinder the sector.
The Easter celebrations in Bugembe were marked not only by spiritual reflection but also by strong calls for political reconciliation and a review of economic policies.
Religious and cultural leaders emphasized the need for government action that promotes unity, protects democratic principles, and supports livelihoods—particularly in regions heavily dependent on agriculture.
As the country moves beyond a heated political period, the message from Busoga’s leaders was clear: Uganda must embrace dialogue, fairness, and inclusive development to foster lasting peace and stability.
