The Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, has emphasized that the rule of law must be applied equally to all people, regardless of status, authority or office, warning against abuse of power and unlawful conduct.
Delivering his Christmas homily while presiding over Mass at Rubaga Cathedral, Archbishop Ssemogerere said no position or uniform gives anyone the right to degrade or unlawfully harm another human being.
“No authority, no uniform, no office grants anyone the right to degrade or unlawfully harm another human being. So the rule of law must be applied equally, consistently, and without fear or favour,” the Archbishop said.
He cautioned that moral values which were traditionally passed on through families and elders are increasingly being shaped by uncensored social media, with troubling consequences for society.
“Uncensored social media have quietly entered our homes and in many cases displaced conversations and guidance,” he said, noting that this shift has contributed to families breaking under pressure, children being exposed too early to harmful content, young people losing moral direction, and loneliness disguised as collectivity.
Turning to the political environment, Archbishop Ssemogerere warned against inflammatory speech, especially during periods of heightened political activity.
“Emotions naturally rise and tensions increase. Christmas calls us to lower, not to inflame it,” he said.
He appealed to political leaders and candidates to place the national interest above personal ambitions, urging them to reject incitement and choose words that promote unity.
“I therefore appeal to political leaders and the candidates to place the nation above personal ambitions, reject incitement, and speak words that heal rather than divide,” he said.
The Christmas Mass at Rubaga Cathedral drew several dignitaries, including National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, the Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga, and Minister of State for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo, who represented the government, among others.
The Archbishop concluded by calling on Ugandans to use the Christmas season as a time of reflection, restraint and renewed commitment to justice, peace and shared moral responsibility.
