The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Bishop of Kampala DioceseI learned, with great shock, of the bomb blasts that went off at Kyadondo Rugby Club and Ethiopian Restuarant in Kabalagala, killing and injuring many innocent people who had converged to watch the World Cup Final on Sunday night. As a result, there is a spirit of gloom and doom over the city of Kampala and the people of Uganda. Many people are bereaved; parents and children have been separated; brothers and sisters, lovers and friends are all feeling a great sense of loss and there is great pain.
This act of malice and hatred towards mankind is completely ungodly,especially towards innocent and unsuspecting persons. I condemn this act in the strongest terms possible and hope to see the perpetrators of this hideous crime brought to justice.
In the mean time, I call upon each one of us to desist from anger and revenge; this will only perpetuate the pain we already feel. Revenge is not a solution and neither is a sectarian approach to this problem helpful. Let us instead now focus our energies on being a part of the fight against terrorism in our country. Each one of you can use your eyes as a great weapon to fight this evil. Even as we do so, let us not breed unnecessary suspicion against one another but instead seek for the common goal of a peaceful and just society. Remember a peaceful society is the right of every one regardles of their age, race, gender or religious inclination. It may cost this nation a lot to try and be a good neighbour to the Somalis who are struggling to have a governable nation.
To the bereaved, I extend my sincere condolences. We share in your pain and wish you God's comfort during this difficult time. And to the entire nation, I ask you to fix your eyes on the cross of Jesus. The cross is a reminder of human cruelty to an innocent person; the agony of pain He went through enables Him to share in our pain as well. He had to pay a price for us to receive our freedom. The blood of the Ugandans spilled on Sunday will bring to Ugandans peace.
Perpetrators may not know what they are doing but Jesus prayed a powerful prayer, "Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." Yet with this blood on their hands, the Righteous God will be the one to avenge our cause while human justice will also take its course. For indeed our help comes from the Lord as Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
I pray for the President, his Cabinet, the Members of Parliament, the Police and all Security Agencies as they address this challenge. May God's wisdom direct you and give you victory over the enemies of our people. And may Ugandans remain united during such a trying time.
The Peace of God be over this nation now and forever. For God and my country!
The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Bishop of Kampala Diocese
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