RUKIGA: The Ndorwa East County Member of Parliament, Honorable Wilfred Niwagaba, emphasized the critical need for clergy to actively engage in guiding Ugandans, particularly leaders, to fulfill their duties effectively and fight corruption.
Niwagaba made these remarks yesterday while serving as the guest of honor at the celebration commemorating 50 years of priesthood and 80 years of age of the outspoken former Parish Priest of Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament, Kitanga Catholic Parish, Rev. Fr. Gaetano Batanyenda, in Kashambya sub-county, Rukiga District. The event, which commenced with a mass led by Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, the Kabale Diocese Vicar General, took place at the parish grounds and drew thousands of Christians, including politicians, business figures, and international guests.
During his speech, Niwagaba highlighted the notable void left by the absence of a clergy member capable of filling Rev. Fr. Gaetano’s shoes in advocating for the rights of Ugandans. He challenged the prevalent notion that religious leaders should abstain from political engagement, arguing that their role in endorsing politicians inherently entwines them in political affairs.
Furthermore, Niwagaba urged Rev. Fr. Marious Byamukama, the successor to Rev. Fr. Gaetano, to continue the legacy of advocating for parishioners at the national level, particularly in combating corruption.
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Roland Bish Ndyomugenyi, the MP for Rukiga County, Kanungu Businessman James Musinguzi Garuga, and Rukiga District LCV Chairman Mbabazi Robert Kakwerere lauded Rev. Fr. Batanyenda for not only spreading the Gospel but also for instilling a culture of savings among the public in the region. They emphasized his pivotal role in establishing the Rukiga Savings and Credit Cooperative Society, which significantly contributed to promoting this culture of saving.
In his address, Rev. Fr. Batanyenda expressed gratitude for the support during his tenure and appealed to well-wishers for continued support to his successor in furthering the parish’s development. He cited health complications as the reason for his retirement, which he requested from the Kabale Diocesan Bishop.
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Despite his affiliation with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, Rev. Fr. Batanyenda is renowned for publicly criticizing President Yoweri Museveni’s alleged failure to address corruption within the government.
