Calls to pass the anti-gays Bill dominate New Year messages

As thousands made their resolutions for 2013, main stream Churches and evangelical preachers have asked Parliament to urgently pass the Anti-Gay Bill, to avert the recruitment of youngsters to adopt the same-sex behaviour. At Namirembe Cathedral, Archbishop Stanley Ntagali said the Church of Uganda would continue to protect culture and the institution of marriage which advocates the union between man and woman . Addressing tens of thousands at the seventh annual National Prayer Day and Night at Nakivubo Stadium, several pastors also warned legislators against siding with the Western world, saying they risked losing their seats. “We ask Members of Parliament to stop wasting time debating the Bill but simply pass it to save school-going children, who are at risk of being recruited. Our leaders should desist from any act that would frustrate this proposed law because it has delayed,” said Bishop David Kiganda, the leader of Christianity Focus Ministries (CFM). Bishop Kiganda, the overseer of Bornagain Churches in the country, said the vice threatened the morality of the people. The remarks by pastors came amidst controversies and media reports of increasing promotion of homosexuality. Rev. Paul Schinners from the United Kingdom commended Uganda for the Bill, saying it was a clear stand for God. “There is no other nation world over that has such a plan and through this, Uganda is going to be blessed,” Rev. Schinners said. “We understand that Uganda had many problems like tribalism, corruption, but many people are simply pointing fingers and judging each other yet all this cannot cause change but it is conviction that would bring change in society,” he added. The appeal Apostle Alex Mitala asked Ugandans to make positive decisions for the New Year if the country is to develop further. “You need to decide to add value on yourself, your attitudes, work and plans to show action where it is not and do something new,” he said. At Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, the leader of Born Again Federation of Uganda, Dr. Joseph Sserwadda, said there is an urgent need for the anti-gay law because the country needs to confront sin head on. Dr Sserwadda suggested that as legislators resume business for 2013, the Bill should be top on their agenda. USA criticised “We have learnt with shock that the people who recently appeared in papers over the same practice have escaped to USA. We know USA with their policy will not depot him back to Uganda. Uganda should declare that it does not need him anymore. Let America keep him,” he said. At St. Andrews’ Cathedral, the Bishop of Mbale, Rt Rev. Patrick Gimadu, decried the high-level corruption, child sacrifice, murders, defilement and homosexuality. “In the New Year, we must renew our faith and fellowship by repenting. This is the time to seek forgiveness and allow Christ to give this country a new direction,” Bishop Gidudu said. Pr. Ivan Mulepi, of New Eden Church in Mbale, asked leaders to lead by example to repent, forgive and renew their spiritual lives in order to create peace for development in Uganda. Reported By Juliet Kigongo, Ephraim Kasozi, Johnson Mayamba and David Mafabi.