The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, has urged senior citizens in the country to play a central role in curbing the excessive actions of the government against political opponents. He emphasized that beyond opposition political figures, it’s crucial for other respected senior citizens to step forward and hold the government accountable for their actions.
This includes reminding leaders of their responsibilities and reining in any violations, such as the disappearance of eighteen opposition supporters and other human rights abuses. During a fundraising mass for the multipurpose building of St. Charles Lwanga Butende Catholic Parish in Masaka city on Sunday, Mpuuga highlighted the pressing need for senior citizens to boldly intervene and hold the perpetrators accountable.
He emphasized that the government and its officials have become indifferent to crucial issues affecting Ugandans, necessitating candid voices from various quarters. Despite opposition MPs boycotting parliamentary sessions to demand information on their missing supporters abducted during the last election cycle, Mpuuga stated their openness to an honest disclosure about the fate of the missing persons.
In addition to addressing the missing persons issue, Mpuuga stressed the importance of fostering a culture of political tolerance among different players in the country. He proposed that such discussions should be led by influential stakeholders willing to dedicate their efforts to shaping the nation’s politics.
These statements follow a warning from the Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among, regarding the possible reprimand of opposition MPs for boycotting house sittings. She stated that the protest was no longer justified after the government requested time to respond to their demands, including information on the missing persons.
Meanwhile, Masaka Catholic Diocesan Bishop Severus Jjumba urged parents not to neglect their duty of instilling moral values in their children. He emphasized that this responsibility contributes to nurturing a responsible generation that positively impacts the country.
Bishop Jjumba noted the diocese’s commitment to building self-sustaining parishes and called on the laity to engage in livelihood improvement projects benefiting both their families and the Church. Reverend Father Edward Timothy Ssimwogerere, the Parish Priest for Butende, revealed their fundraising goal of 675 million Ugandan Shillings to complete the multipurpose building before their 60th-anniversary celebrations in 2017.
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