Tayebwa urges Kigezi clergy to fight sectarianism, poverty

What the report says

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has called on religious leaders in Uganda’s Kigezi sub-region to use their moral influence to push back against sectarianism while encouraging unity, poverty reduction and better nutrition. Nile Post reported that he made the appeal during a thanksgiving Mass for the new bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Bonaventure Bosco Gubazire, at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale Municipality.

According to the report, Tayebwa urged clergy to speak out against divisions based on religion and to help communities address long-running social and economic challenges, including malnutrition and child stunting. He linked the problems to issues such as poor feeding practices, the sale of food for quick cash and alcoholism. The article also noted that he had raised similar concerns earlier, warning politicians against exploiting religious differences in the region.

Finance Minister Henry Musasizi also addressed the gathering, encouraging the new bishop to include wealth creation in his ministry and support efforts to raise household incomes. Gubazire, who was installed as Kabale’s fifth bishop after Bishop Emeritus Callistus Rubaramira retired, said cooperation among church leaders, communities and other stakeholders would be important in improving people’s welfare. Kabale Diocese covers several districts in the southwestern region and has been a major religious institution there since 1966.