Editorial
29 December 2011
editorial
It has been uplifting that a number of the sermons preached in churches across the nation this Yuletide season have been laudatory of the actions of that growing group of MPs whose activism against graft has changed the public’s otherwise rather low opinion of Parliament.
With 2011 drawing to a close, the two things foremost in the minds of many Ugandans are likely how to turn over a new leaf from the difficult economic conditions which have driven millions further below the poverty line, and whether the Ninth Parliament will stay the course.
Fighting corruption is a difficult and dangerous undertaking, partly because the perpetrators and co-conspirators are to be found across an intricately woven network. To root it out requires concerted and unwavering dedication by a broad spectrum of actors amidst so much temptation to be co-opted in the vice.
The Church hopefully recognises that many Ugandans have now made the connection between theft of public finances and poor public service delivery to the majority who cannot afford expensive — privately sourced — alternatives. It therefore has a duty to at least offer vocal backing to whoever is rightly revolted by the rapacious impunity of those whose snouts are stuck in the trough of the gravy train. To do otherwise would attract accusations that it is party to an unspoken conspiracy of silence.
There will be those who find the preaching from the pulpit uncomfortable, possibly because their collective consciences now convict them. They may thus be tempted to retaliate with the self-serving rejoinder that the Church should not dabble in secular matters. This lot must be ignored.
Our country’s religious fraternity has every right to be concerned about the grievous damage which has been inflicted upon the nation by theft of public finances. It would be irresponsible and ungodly of the preachers to leave the onerous task which awaits those individuals of courage who have said enough is enough. After all, in many ways, our religious institutions are supposed to project and protect the moral conscience of the nation.
A few reverends and priests have previously proposed that politicians suspected of financial misconduct or abuse of office should be denounced in church and their offerings rejected. It is not too late to consider such drastic steps. There must not be any turning back now that the battle for good governance is well and truly joined.
AllAfrica – All the Time