The retired bishop of Mukono diocese, James William Ssebaggala has cautioned mobile telephone users to desist from unfaithful ways of using the gadgets, including lying to their callers, refusing to answer calls and not bothering to call back, all of which he said are signs of irresponsibility.
Bp. Ssebaggala noted that these are the sinful acts which will earn believers heavy penalties from God on judgement day.
He was conducting a thanksgiving service for the life of the late Edward Mukasa Ssamanya Ssaalongo, the former mayor of Nkokonjeru town and board member of Mukono the diocese education committee. It was held at the deceased’s home in Nkokonjeru town, Buikwe district on Sunday.
Bp. Ssebaggala urged believers to endeavour to seriously think about their unfulfilled spiritual obligations, and to prepare explanations acceptable to the Lord on judgement, to be able to escape the wrath of hell.
‘You should lead a prayerful life asking the Lord to continue directing you on the best way to prepare yourselves for the final day; emulate the late Ssamanya who was creative, a hard worker who cared for everybody’s peace, happiness, prosperity and good life with no regard for their religious, political or other inclinations,’ Ssebaggala advised.
Emmanuel Musiitwa, one of the Butiko clan representatives, introduced Ssemanya’s heir, Derrick Bulwa to the church. Bp. Ssebaggala prayed for Bulwa together with his sisters, brothers and mothers.
Kyaggwe Ssaza first deputy Ssekiboobo, Moses Ssenyonjo Kiyimba called on Baganda to always observe unity of purpose to be able to take Buganda to its past glory, and to emulate the late Ssamanya who he said made all efforts in this direction.
Over the forthcoming general elections, the Mengo chief directed Kabaka’s subjects to only consider aspirants promising to prioritize Buganda’s issues, including the perennial demand for the return of Mengo’s structures still occupied by the central government institutions in districts.
Ssenyonjo observed that Baganda are under obligation to maintain the glory of the Kabaka’s throne, adding however that this can best be achieved with the kingdom in full control of its establishments like Gombolola headquarters which are still under central government occupancy.
The Nkokonjeru Town Council chairperson, Ssentongo Ssali Kezaala outlined achievements scored with guidance from the late Ssamanya, and cited improvement in the health, education and other social service sectors.
Buikwe South Member of Parliament, Dr. Micheal Lulume Bayiga acknowledged the late Ssamanya for giving a good reception to opposition politicians without considering the fact that he was a staunch National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporter.
“Ssamanya opened his home for me, even after knowing that I was from Democratic Party to the extent that some people had to suspect he had given up on his party. It is that same spirit you should take on as his family,” Lulume said.
Luboyera Majerani, the Mukono Municipality deputy Town Clerk who is one Late Ssamanya’s children said that to walk into his footprints, they invited people without their political, religious and other affiliations.
The function attracted leaders mostly from Buikwe district, Mukono, Wakiso, Entebbe, Luweero and others.
Some of them include; Mukono district NRM vice chairperson, Hajji Haruna Ssemakula, Mukono Municipality Mayor, Erisa Mukasa Nkoyoyo, his deputy William Makumbi, former Buikwe South MP, David Mutebi, former Entebbe Municipality Mayor, Stephen Kabuye, Buvuma district deputy RDC, Patrick Mubiru, among others.
