By Ben Musanje
The Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa, has called for national reconciliation, forgiveness, and renewed moral commitment in Uganda as Christians celebrate Easter.
Delivering the 2026 Easter pastoral message at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat (UCS) in Nsambya, Bishop Zziwa emphasized the need for unity in a country grappling with political divisions, economic challenges, and social tensions.
“Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!” the bishops proclaimed, marking the central message of Easter as a triumph of life over death and light over darkness.
Call for reconciliation after elections
In a message strongly tied to Uganda’s current political climate, the bishops urged citizens to embrace reconciliation following the recent presidential and general elections, which they said left deep scars.
They noted that some Ugandans lost their lives, others were injured or traumatized, and some remain detained due to political differences. The Church appealed to the government to release individuals held for political reasons and to establish a sustainable framework for national healing grounded in justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
Pope’s message and praise for Uganda
The bishops also relayed greetings from Pope Leo XIV, whom they met during their March visit to the Vatican. According to Bishop Zziwa, the Pope commended the growth of the Catholic Church in Uganda, particularly the increasing number of clergy and the commitment of lay faithful.
He added that the Pope extended his Apostolic Blessing to the country, recognizing what he described as God’s grace active in Uganda’s Church.
Easter message: love, repentance, and moral renewal
The pastoral letter underscored Easter as a time for deep spiritual renewal, calling on Christians to go beyond traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Instead, believers were urged to live out the “fruits of the Spirit”—including love, peace, patience, and self-control—while rejecting vices such as hatred, envy, and immorality.
Drawing from the parable of the Good Samaritan, the bishops stressed that love should extend to all people, including those considered enemies.
A nation in need of healing
Addressing broader societal concerns, the Church warned against growing immorality and divisions, urging Ugandans to become “true witnesses of Christ” through their actions.
The bishops encouraged citizens to adopt forgiveness and become instruments of peace, echoing the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, which calls for spreading love, hope, and light in times of darkness.
Message of hope
As Uganda joins the rest of the Christian world in celebrating Easter, the bishops expressed hope that the season would inspire transformation at all levels of society—from families to national leadership.
“We wish you a blessed, joyful, and peaceful Easter,” Bishop Zziwa said, urging Ugandans to live as true disciples of the risen Christ and to build bridges of peace across the country. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
