Joseph Kabuleta, a Church Minister operating under The Watchman Ministries revealed last month that the Ministry of Ethics and Integrity has been developing a national policy on Religious Organizations in Uganda.
He explained through an article that appeared on several new sites that while this national policy on Religious Organizations may have good intentions, it could be used to infringe on or abuse the rights and freedom of religion of millions of Ugandans.
The preacher has during a talk show on one radio station in Kampala said Government is not God to root out bad Pastors from good ones.
“If the issues that are bring raised like financing, tithing and seed are issues of doctrine, and are [an] interpretation of the bible, you dare not touch that because that is not for government to touch.” He said addressing listeners on Capital FM Uganda during the Big Breakfast program.
“There are pastors who are fleecing congregants. If policy is not the solution, how do we mitigate such people from this continuous bad habit.” Kabuleta was asked by the Host.
“I will just give you an answer which Jesus gave, He said; a man came and planted wheat in his garden, and while he slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among wheat, and slipped away. Then, the workers came and told the owner; someone came and planted tares, should we root them out now? He said; no, don’t root them out now, lest in pulling out the tares, you pull out some of the good wheat.” Kabuleta , who doubles as a seasoned journalist/newspaper columnist said.
“You leave them grow together, and at the end of the day, the Father Himself will come and separate the good from the bad. Government is not God to separate the good from the bad, as long as no law is being broken. Jesus Himself said He is going to do that at the end of days – they are trying to play Jesus by trying to root out the good from the bad.” He said.
“We all agree their is the bad. And some of them have many followers some of who are politicians. Recently we had a speaker of parliament carry parliament cameras to witch doctor’s shrines to thank her ancestors for being elected speaker..But they were not in parliament, it was the MPs that elected her.”
“So what are you going to legislate against? Kadaga should not visit the shrine? Recently, there were people that walked from Arua to Namugongo and some of them died – five people died – so are you going to legislate that certain people are not supposed to walk? Others are still stranded and have no transport back to their homes. Point is, these are issues of faith, no one has the right to tell somebody not to walk to go to Namugongo. I’m I going to walk, no because I do not believe in that – but their are people that respect their right to do so.” Kabuleta said. “They should respect my right to believe the way I do.”
Towards the end of the heated debate, co-host Jackie Lumbasi sought clarity as to whether Kabuleta is defending “fleecing pastors”.
“I am not defending any pastor, I am defending peoples rights to believe the way they believe. You, I do not have a right to impose on people what you believe is right or wrong… Let the people discover for themselves that they are following the wrong person and [consider changing churches].
Joseph Kabuleta is said to be spearheading a petition expected to be delivered to the State Minister of Ethics & Integrity, Simon Lokodo as well as the Office of the President to halt the draft legislation because it is oppressive towards religious freedoms.
“Rather than taking the destructive historical path of state control and restraint reminiscent of banning of evangelical and Pentecostal faith entities in the 1970s, we implore the government, through this petition to adhere to the post-1995 constitutional governance dispensation that embraces diversity and religious freedom within the confines of acceptable regulation,” The petition signed by Joseph Kabuleta reads in part.
“We oppose the policy in any form or shape and call upon government to reconsider over-extending its reach in faith affairs of its citizens, which are so sacred to human hope, peace, security and survival.” The petition adds.
In his statement to media reporters over this petition, Father Lokodo said the process of drafting the policy involved consultations and discussions at regional and national level.
“We are alarmed at the spirit of oppression that is characteristic of the justifications given as motivating the policy reminiscent of the 1970s when practicing one’s faith became a crime.” Lokodo is quoted to have said.
editor@ugchristiannews.com
