Rev. Johnson Ebong
27 April 2011
opinion
God has put in my heart to share the message from 2 Chronicles 7:14 regarding the current national situation. You may all recall that during the presidential campaigns, some candidates said that they would not go to court should they lose. However, steps to address the causes leading to loss and defeat were not mentioned. Noting the global economic trend after the credit crunch, it is notable that inflation is a global cry. The Middle East crisis adds to the problems we have after a long spell of drought.
I, therefore, appeal to Ugandans that walk-to-work is not a solution to our economic crisis. Not all who walk are employed, and even when some people are working as market vendors, in their kiosks, make-shift garages, etc, the walkers still force them to leave their work and walk! Walk where and for what? I appeal to the promoters of the walk-to-work to seek a non-violent approach to settle their grievances, other than use human seal or protection. When the walkers have nowhere to work from, they resort to hooliganism and looting.
Secondly, I appeal to the government not to use provocative words/languages when addressing those who are already disgruntled. There exists a big rift between the haves and the haves-not in this country. May those who have wisely talk to those who don’t, other than provoking them to violence? The Bible tells us that a gentle answer turns away wrath/anger (Proverbs 15:1 NIV). I appeal to our leaders to be wise and calculate whatever they are saying and honour the electorate, most of whom are the poor.
Thirdly, I appeal to the UN and other international agencies not to blow the Ugandan issues out of proportion. What is going on in the country is internal, and mainly family matters. We understand our own problems, and we do not want anything that can tarnish the name of our country internationally.
Finally, I call upon all Ugandans to fast and pray for the nation. God is calling us to pray – “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in [Uganda]” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV). I also suggest to the government to have a historical swearing-in this time by having a “Prayer and Fasting Swearing-in” in order to save the Shs3 billion budget. That money could benefit the poor electorates in some ways.
Rev. Canon Ebong is the chaplain, St. Francis, Makerere University
AllAfrica – All the Time
Taken from:
To Our Leaders – a Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath