The Archbishop of Kampala His Grace Paul Ssemogerere has condemned recklessness and greed amongst Ugandans that it is one of the leading causes of deaths including road accidents.
He condoled and prayed for Ugandans who have died in the recent past most especially the two tragic accidents; the one of Kiteezi landfill of August 10th where 35 people died when they were covered by garbage and the recent tragic fuel tanker accident in Kigoogwa Town, Wakiso District, along the Kampala-Gulu highway on October 21st which claimed 15 lives and left 24 others injured.
Archbishop Ssemogerere says its unfortunate that in spite of the repeated warnings, public awareness and support by the Government, Police and all other stakeholders, some Ugandans have remained adamant, hence becoming the lead cause of deaths by road accidents.
He said this on Sunday 27th October during the Archdiocesan Day at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Lubaga.
Data presented by the acting Director of Traffic Police, Lawrence Niwabiine, shows that 4,806 Ugandans died in road crashes in 2023, accounting for 13 deaths per day which is an increase compared to the 4,534 deaths recorded in 2022.
Archbishop Ssemogerere thanked Christians from Kampala Archdiocese for their generous contribution through the SAAFU initiative to support the needs of the diocese.
In 2023, a total of Shs 500 million was collected and Shs 300 million was committed towards the rebuilding of the Church structure of St. Mary’s Parish Nkozi in Mpigi district while the SAAFU collections for the year 2024 that currently stand at Shs 700 million, part of it will go towards the construction of the Bakateyamba Home and accommodation places at Nalukolongo where the Good Samaritan Sisters take care of the vulnerable people.
Archbishop Ssemogerere also made mention of the recently released census report whose findings have been questioned by many Ugandans.
He said although the census results put the figure of the Catholic Community at 16 million, his pastoral visits give him a different picture.
He said the Catholic Church will not be shaken about these numbers however the exodus of some Catholics to other faiths must be given attention within the Archdiocese.
He used the same function to announce five new parishes in the offing that will be commissioned in 2025 and it will bring the total number to parishes 78.
By Francis Jjunju
27th Oct 2024
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