There was disbelief when Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda lashed at the Mityana Diocese Bishop, Dr Stephen Kazimba for advising the usually calm politician to encourage government to fight corruption through religious institutions.
Bishop Kazimba was the main celebrant at the 40th martyrdom anniversary of Archbishop Janani Luwum at Namirembe Cathedral on Sunday.
The service had been going well until the man of God touched the issue of corruption by telling government representatives led by Dr Rugunda to use the church to manage public funds.
Bishop Kazimba in his sermon argued that the church would be a lasting solution to embezzlement of public funds and corruption that have been the regime’s biggest disgrace.
“I think it is time your government thought of using the church to manage public resources. The church is transparent and an agent of change. Once we partner, we can do a lot for our country,” Bishop Kazimba advised.
The congregation had expected Dr Rugunda’s response who spoke shortly after the Bishop to be complimentary but they were wrong.
In response, Dr Rugunda the chief guest at the function said that the NRM government is independent and has all the necessary tools to fight corruption. Dr Rugunda emphasized that although government is faced with the corruption problem, it does not need the help of the church to fight corruption.
“The NRM government works with the church. But what I can say is that the government has fought corruption in many ways. We have the Anti-Corruption Court, office of the IGG and the Auditor General. All these institutions fight corruption,” Dr Rugunda said.
