Rev Fr Anthony Musaala, assistant administrator at Lubaga Cathedral, has called on Ugandan citizens and leaders to undertake deep soul-searching in response to the Uganda Episcopal Conference’s recently issued pastoral letter.
Delivering his Palm Sunday homily, Musaala urged Christians not to dismiss the bishops’ letter as a routine communiqué, but to treat it as a critical mirror reflecting the state of the nation.
“The bishops’ letter is a powerful call to reflection,” said Fr Musaala. “It is not just a letter for leaders, but for all of us. It invites each of us to look inward and ask: what role am I playing on the issues raised?”
The letter, the 27th of its kind, was released ahead of Holy Week and raises alarm over at least 14 national concerns including political intolerance, corruption, abuse of power, economic distress, and threats to social cohesion.
The bishops warn that Uganda risks relapsing into a troubled past if urgent action is not taken. Fr Musaala echoed these concerns, emphasizing that Uganda cannot progress without addressing them through unity, dialogue, and a shared moral conscience.
He encouraged all Ugandans, regardless of political affiliation, to respond with love, forgiveness, and a commitment to Christ-like compassion, values especially prominent during the Holy Week.
“Without love, we cannot bridge the divisions tearing our society apart,” he said. “Without compassion, we cannot respond meaningfully to the suffering around us. And without forgiveness, we cannot move beyond our pain and conflict.”
The message resonated with the congregation. Annet Mukasa, one of the faithful, praised the pastoral letter for its honesty.
“Reading the letter, you clearly see what Uganda is going through,” she said. “Fr Musaala’s call for reflection is important. We need to show love and compassion to resolve the issues raised.” Eugenia Nassolo, head of the Justice and Peace Committee at Lubaga Parish, stressed that civic and political leaders must not only read the document but act upon it.
“If our leaders truly serve the people, they must reflect on each point raised,” she said. “As Fr Musaala reminded us, only through love and compassion can we find lasting solutions.”
Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, marks the beginning of Holy Week, a sacred period during which Christians reflect on the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.