The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged the government to unconditionally release the youth recently arrested for protesting against corruption.

Over 100 youths were arrested from various parts of Kampala city for protesting against government corruption and in particular against speaker of parliament Annet Anita Among.

Presiding over the consecration of the new Bishop of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese, Rev Canon Jacob Ateirweho, at St Peter’s Cathedral Duhaga in Hoima city on Sunday, Kaziimba noted that some of the arrested youths are still detained and the government must consider their concerns and try to dialogue with them.

“I call upon the government to embrace dialogue with those who wish to join the fight against corruption. Some of the recently arrested youth are still in detention; I pray they are released and guided to follow the correct procedures. Our prisons are overcrowded with individuals whose cases should have been resolved long ago,” said Kaziimba.

Kaziimba also called on church leaders at all levels to actively participate in the fight against corruption, which he believes has severely tarnished the country’s reputation. He highlighted that combating corruption is a collective responsibility and urged church leaders to use every available platform to speak out against it and emphasize its detrimental impact on national development.

“Let us unite in fighting corruption. I also call upon leadership at all levels to stand against corruption and other vices like homosexuality,” added Kaziimba.

The Archbishop commended the leaders in Bunyoro sub-region for their continued support of the church, which has created an environment conducive to spreading the gospel. He encouraged them to work together with the newly consecrated bishop to ensure smooth governance of the diocese.

President Yoweri Museveni, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, praised the Bunyoro-Kitara Diocese for its collaboration with the government in advancing Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. He emphasized the church’s vital role not only in spiritual matters but also as a catalyst for development.

The president acknowledged the church’s involvement in projects such as schools, health facilities, and farms, which have directly benefited society by creating jobs and improving household incomes, thereby reducing poverty levels.

Museveni urged Ugandans to continue working hard to lift their families out of poverty by participating in government programs aimed at prosperity and youth skills development.

He remarked that Uganda’s economy has progressed to the point of self-sufficiency, with ongoing developments in the manufacturing, telecommunications, construction, medical, and education sectors.

The president also encouraged the people of Bunyoro-Kitara and other regional leaders to support the new bishop in fulfilling his duties. In his inaugural speech, Ateirweho outlined key priorities, including protecting church land from encroachment.

He requested government assistance in securing land titles, noting that much of the church’s land remains untitled, posing a significant risk. Ateirweho is also committed to improving the welfare of church ministers, both in service and after retirement.

He acknowledged the current challenges faced by ministers, such as inadequate housing, lack of transportation, and difficulty in affording education for their children. He pledged to mobilize Christians to embrace government programs aimed at eradicating poverty and boosting household incomes.

Ateirweho, who was consecrated and enthroned as the 6th Bishop of Bunyoro-Kitara Diocese, was elected by the House of Bishops on April 17, 2024. Born on August 24, 1968, in Hoima Hospital, Ateirweho was ordained a Deacon on February 5, 2006. He succeeds Bishop Samuel Kahuma, who has retired at the mandatory age of 65.