Archbishop Kaziimba asks gov’t to stimulate economy

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has appealed to government to consider plans of stimulating the economy as well as support affected businesses and livelihoods in the face of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to the Archbishop, the impact of the lockdown has been much harder for many Ugandans than the virus itself and that they are looking forward to government’s plans to stimulate the economy and support them.

He however appreciates government for its support and all Ugandans who have contributed to the National Taskforce towards the fight against COVID-19.

The Archbishop’s message is carried in his pastoral letter to Bishops, Clergy and Christians dated 5th May, 2020. The letter is in response to the extension of the COVID-19 lockdown for a further 14 days by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

“The additional two-week extension of the shutdown will come as a big disappointment to many. As disappointing as it is, we need to remember that it will give the Ministry of Health more time so they can accurately assess the extent of the virus in our communities. This was surely not an easy decision for the President to make but we must willingly receive it so we can promote life and all its abundance, as Jesus promised in John 10.10,” said Archbishop Kaziimba.

He noted that Uganda’s current position in the East African Community towards the fight against COVID-19 is not something to boast about but only to thank God for his mercy, the government and Ugandans for working together so far.

Uganda has currently recorded 97 positive COVID-19 cases and out of these, 55 patients have recovered and have been discharged. Kenya had recorded 490 cases, Tanzania 480 cases, Rwanda 261 cases, DR Congo 682 cases and Burundi 19 cases.

He appealed to Ugandans to continue persevering and enduring the season with great personal sacrifice as they continue to pray for God’s provision and protection. The Archbishop also discourages the victimization of those that have recovered from the deadly virus.

“We thank God for those who have experienced healing from COVID-19 and I urge the community not to stigmatize those who are survivors. In fact, please celebrate their recovery and their return home. They are heroes and a walking testimony to the power of God to heal,” he noted.

In his way forward, Archbishop Kaziimba encouraged church leaders to continue with regular pastoral care among Christians even during the lock down. He appealed to the government to recognize the clergy and lay readers as essential employees particularly in providing psycho-social services to Ugandans.

“If there is a sickness or death, clergy and lay readers are essential to providing community-based care, and should be respected by security personnel when they respond to such calls for prayer. I also call upon ordinary Christians to be your brother and sister’s keeper. Please make sure they have enough food. Please reach out to them over the phone to check on them. Make sure no one comes out of lockdown saying they were lonely. The Bible says, “Faith without action is dead,” said Kaziimba.

He adds that since large public gatherings are still prohibited, homes should continue as places of worship and that Christians should make use of live-stream services every Sunday. He also discouraged violence in families that is on the rise during the lock down.

“There has been an increase in domestic and gender-based violence. I call upon our church leaders to support survivors of gender-based violence with compassion and pastoral support. I also call upon our churches to develop programmes that will do a better job of teaching families better communication skills and conflict resolution skills. Violence is never acceptable. Never,” he said.

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