Bishop warns against showboating in church

The Bishop of Kasana-Luwero Diocese, Lawrence Mukasa, has expressed disappointment over  Christians who attend church services merely to flaunt their wealth and attire.

Speaking at his first mass at Uganda Martyrs' Catholic Parish Kiwoko in Nakaseke district since his enthronement last year, Bishop Mukasa urged congregants to remember the true essence of churchgoing.

"Some of you come here to make wonders, to show off. It's unfortunate that some of you even go to the extent of borrowing clothes and money for offerings to please people. But all for what? The objective of coming to church is to seek our God, praise, and exalt Him. Whoever does otherwise is not only misleading themselves but the entire congregation, and it's all false," Bishop Mukasa stated.

His mass marked the conclusion of a four-day visit to the parish, which oversees 21 local churches, including St. Joseph Kyampisi, St. Joseph Butalangu, St. Yuda Tadeo Kagango and others and a significant milestone of his visit was the elevation of Butalangu Sub Parish to Parish Level.

"Butalangu Sub Parish is now going to become an independent parish. I have requested the parish priest, along with the pastoral coordinator, to ensure that all necessary structures are in place so that by September, 1, they can operate independently under the guidance of a resident priests," Bishop Mukasa announced.

The State Minister for Kampala, Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye, who attended the mass at Kiwoko, took the opportunity to warn parents against forcing their children into early marriages. He emphasized that such actions are illegal and will result in arrests.

"Children are coming back for holidays. Please keep them safe. We don't want to hear that some dropped out of school because they got pregnant during holidays. Parents, this is a warning: stop forcing the little ones into marriages. It's wrong," Minister Kyofatobye warned.

Local leaders, including Members of Parliament Allan Mayanja Ssebunya (Nakaseke Central) and Sarah Najjuma (Nakaseke District Woman MP), were also present.

They emphasized the importance of peace and unity among couples in the community.

During the mass, 189 individuals received the sacrament of initiation and were confirmed as full Catholic members. Additionally, five couples received the matrimonial sacrament.