Kiberu further used the Mass to pray for prisoners, including those he described as political prisoners, and condemned abductions, torture and the suffering of Ugandans.
A Catholic priest at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine has criticised former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among over her reported comparison of President Yoweri Museveni to God the Father and Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to Jesus Christ, warning against elevating political leaders to the status of God.
Rev. Fr Charles Maria Kiberu made the remarks while celebrating Sunday morning Mass at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine on October 18, 2026, during a reflection on the biblical teaching in Matthew 22:21 and Mark 12:17: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
Kiberu said the scripture teaches that while citizens have civic responsibilities to the state, their ultimate allegiance and devotion belong to God rather than any human leader.
He questioned the reported remarks attributed to Among, asking what had become of the former Speaker and using her political journey to illustrate what he described as the dangers of elevating people to godlike status.
Police Investigate Shooting of Kisoro Businessman, Wife at Home
“Where is she now? She was used and dumped,” Kiberu said, arguing that political loyalty should not be confused with religious devotion.
He warned believers against placing their faith in powerful individuals, saying political fortunes can change, while God remains constant.
Kiberu also challenged the relationship between taxation and public service delivery, asking whether citizens receive adequate services in return for the taxes they pay.
He said the pursuit of wealth and political power could distract people from their spiritual responsibilities, cautioning against allowing money and influence to become objects of worship.
Priest condemns exploitation of believers
The priest also criticised religious leaders who allegedly exploit their congregations by turning places of worship into avenues for collecting money from impoverished believers.
He urged pastors to focus on the spiritual and social welfare of their congregations instead of making financial demands on people already struggling to make ends meet.
Kiberu further used the Mass to pray for prisoners, including those he described as political prisoners, and condemned abductions, torture and the suffering of Ugandans.
He called for a country founded on justice and respect for human dignity, saying religious leaders should speak out against the suffering of citizens rather than remain silent.
He challenged fellow clergy to examine their preaching and public engagement, particularly whether they address the plight of detained people and victims of torture or concentrate mainly on financial contributions.
The Mass centred on the distinction between civic obligations and the place of faith in public life, with Kiberu urging Ugandans to uphold their responsibilities to the state without elevating political leaders above God.
Two 18-Year-Olds Arrested Over Murder of Gulu University Student
