Summary:
- Bishop Baluku shared with our reporter that to ensure compliance with this ban, matrimonial services conducted by priests in churches will now be limited to one hour. Additionally, wedding receptions must conclude by 5 PM.
KASESE: The Bishop of South Rwenzori Diocese, Rt Rev. Nason Baluku, has announced a new directive from the diocesan synod, which bans all priests within the diocese from attending parties beyond 5 PM.
Bishop Baluku warned that any priest found violating this directive would face disciplinary action.
Bishop Baluku shared with our reporter that to ensure compliance with this ban, matrimonial services conducted by priests in churches will now be limited to one hour. Additionally, wedding receptions must conclude by 5 PM.
“Any priest in the Diocese of South Rwenzori who is seen at a wedding or giveaway function after 5 PM will be brought before the disciplinary council. Such behavior reflects carelessness. Our role is to guide people, not to watch them waste their lives away. People should leave party venues by 5 PM instead of wasting time gossiping,” he emphasized.
As the chairman of the diocesan synod, Bishop Baluku noted that the resolution was passed during meetings held on July 23 and 24, 2024. The church leaders now plan to educate the community on efficient time management when organizing events.
He explained that the decision came after extensive discussions among synod members, who expressed concern over widespread poverty, with many families struggling to afford even a single meal a day.
“Why start giveaway or wedding parties at 2 PM when guests arrive as early as 9 AM? What puzzles me most, especially at giveaway parties, are the lengthy dances by groups of women, which can consume up to half an hour, followed by speeches,” Bishop Baluku stated.
He also expressed concern that couples often arrive at their receptions around 6:30 PM, despite the Holy Matrimony service lasting no more than an hour and a half.
“I’m not discouraging you from attending parties, but at least prioritize your responsibilities, such as tending to your garden or business, before attending the party around midday. After all, it’s not your party; you’re just a witness. Remember, some people attend these functions just to gossip. We need to think beyond our immediate desires! The more time we waste on such activities, the more we will continue to lament about poverty,” Bishop Baluku advised.
Ven. Mannaseh Takwenda, the Archdeacon for Maliba Archdeaconry in Busongora North, supported the ban, saying it is reasonable but raised concerns about its enforcement.
“Certain circumstances should be considered when passing such resolutions. For instance, what if it rains the entire day and only stops at 4:45 PM? What if the function is at my home? I recall an incident in my home area in 2011, where a man was preparing to go to church to marry his partner. However, as they were getting ready, the man’s grandfather, who was also preparing to attend the ceremony, suddenly collapsed and died. How would you handle such situations?” Rev. Takwenda questioned.
Ms. Grace Kabugho Kimekeke, a Synod delegate, remarked that the resolution, if implemented, could have a significant impact.
“The problem lies with our young women; instead of engaging in productive work, some are busy attending parties as bridesmaids, to the extent that they agree to any costs suggested by the bride just to be included. These young women often have no jobs, and even if they do, the costs equal their monthly salary. Do you expect them to become wealthy? Of course not. Their next option will be turning to sugar daddies, leading to misery,” she observed.
The South Rwenzori Diocese’s 10-year Strategic Plan, launched in May 2021, emphasizes poverty eradication, economic empowerment, and spiritual growth, among other goals.
