By Speaking during the Uganda Joint Christian Council’s Good Friday commemoration held at Old Kampala Secondary School playgrounds, an event which drew a large crowd, including high-profile government officials, religious leaders, and members of the public, with Vice President Jessica Alupo as the chief guest.
Dr Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu the Archbishop of the Anglican church In his powerful Good Friday message echoing the ancient tradition of mercy and forgiveness, called on the Ugandan government to consider releasing select prisoners during the Holy Week as a gesture of compassion and Christian charity.
Also Read
Deputy Speaker Decries Exploitation of Small-Scale Rice Traders at Mutukula Border
Village Defence Chairperson Murders Wife In Brutal Attack
Museveni, Ruto Governments Break Ground On $137M Cross-Border Water Project
Parliament Clashes Over Mao’s Statement on Civilian Trials in Military Courts
Drawing inspiration from the Bible, the Archbishop referred to the custom during the Passover festival as recorded in Matthew 27:15, where the Roman governor would release a prisoner chosen by the people. “As we carry the cross, we can say; that these particular prisoners were released as a custom. It could be a good custom for us as a country,” he said.
“Your Excellency, if we could adopt this custom, it is a good one. During the Holy Week, consider releasing some prisoners because it is very important and a Christian thing,” Archbishop Kaziimba urged, referencing the spirit of Holy Week as a time for forgiveness, mercy, and reflection on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
He was quick to clarify that while the biblical account tells of Jesus being denied and Barabbas a known criminal being released, the act of pardoning during this sacred season should not be viewed as a repetition of that injustice. Instead, he framed it as an opportunity for the state to reflect Christian values through redemptive action.
Also Read
Museveni Commissions Mubende Market, Cracks Down on Corruption in Public Markets
Traffic Police Issues Strict Guidelines Ahead Of Easter Celebrations
Minister Mayanja Offers to Apologize to Kabaka, Calls Out ‘Rogue’ Buganda Land Officials
In response, Vice President Alupo welcomed the idea and promised to convey the Archbishop’s message to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for consideration. “I will take this appeal with me to the President,” she stated, acknowledging the spiritual and societal weight behind the call.
