Reverend Father Silverino Karugaba, the Curate of Our Lady of Fatima Makiro Parish in Kanungu District, has expressed concern over what he described as growing human rights violations and shrinking civic space in Uganda.
Delivering his homily during Sunday Mass at Bushuro Hiika in Rushoroza Parish, in Kabale District, Fr. Karugaba said recent actions against media houses and opposition figures threaten democratic principles and fundamental freedoms.
His remarks follow the closure of Nation Media Group Uganda outlets, including NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor offices in Namuwongo, Kampala, which remain under military deployment after the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, ordered the shutdown. Other affected outlets include Dembe FM, Spark TV, KFM, and The East African.
Fr. Karugaba said attacks on the media amount to an assault on democracy and the public’s right to access information.
He also criticized the arrest of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and the reported misprision of treason charges against him, as well as the continued detention of other political prisoners, saying such actions have created fear among citizens.
According to Fr. Karugaba, intimidation and unlawful arrests are being used to silence voices calling for accountability and transparency, including religious leaders and ordinary citizens.
He noted that many Ugandans who know the truth are increasingly reluctant to speak out due to fear.
While emphasizing that the Church respects government authority, Fr. Karugaba urged leaders to address disagreements through dialogue and respect for human dignity rather than intimidation.
He also raised concerns over the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM), alleging that funds intended to uplift poor households are being diverted to wealthier beneficiaries through corruption.
CUE IN FR. KARUGABA….ON RIGHTS….RR//
Meanwhile, the Kabale District Secretary for Education, Health and Community Services, who is also the Kitumba Sub-county Female District Councillor, Medius Cogan Katushabe, urged eligible Christians to register for the forthcoming LC1 elections scheduled for next month.
Katushabe encouraged residents to participate in the electoral process, saying active civic participation is essential for strengthening grassroots leadership and local governance.
CUE IN KATUSHABE….ON ELECTIONS….RR//
