Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire. Photo: Clare Kendall/Bible Society
There seems to be an assumption in some circles that politics is inherently defiled, and that political involvement is inappropriate for those serious about the Gospel.
However, Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire believers that the Bible contains numerous examples of God’s people engaging in politics as part of a holistic approach to ministry that meets both spiritual and temporal needs.
She recently encouraged Christians to rise up into positions of leadership and engage with power, if Uganda, is ever to halt the epidemic of corruption.
“We can all use power to build up or to destroy. And we will all have to give an account to God about the way we have either used or abused power,” she said.
“If power is used the right way it can bring the kingdom of God on earth: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,”’ she added.
Bamugemereire defined power as the ability to make a difference.
She gave examples from the Bible of the use of power in leadership. “Saul used his power to try to harm David, while David used his power to demonstrate restraint, forgiveness and magnanimity. And look at the stories of Daniel and Joseph.”
As one who used her position of influence to tackle corruption through the Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters, Bamugemereire issued a challenge to Christians who consistently view positions of leadership as somehow tainted and to be avoided.
“Many Christians today seem to think that being humble, pious and insignificant is the only way to be a true Christian. Others believe that Christians who find themselves in high places are being intrinsically sinful.
“This is not true humility.
“True humility is having the opportunity to showcase an all-wise, all powerful God. God has absolute power. He has the power to restore and heal,” the 51-year-old said.
Justice Bamugemereire called for a recovery of the Biblical view of servant leadership. “A true leader makes necessary sacrifices, serving others above self and sharing vision and direction. That is a leader.”
Christians, she asserted, should engage with power and authority, just like the men of faith in the Bible.
“Today, where are the Daniels who will serve in the King’s palace? God wants to raise up Christians like Joseph, who will be able to interpret the king’s dream. The church must occupy this space and serve as the salt of the earth,” she said.
“God will work through us because he has created us in his image and given us the mandate to use his power responsibly,” she added.
Bamugemereire said the seemingly insurmountable challenges facing Africa required capacity, intellect, discernment, “and most of all, the fear of the Lord. There will be no quick fix to the problems in Africa,’ she emphasized.
And she called on church leaders to turn their backs on the fame game and get back to the Bible.
“Many leaders have turned themselves into the message – even pastors. But the message is Christ. Let us return to the word and allow the Bible to transform us by the renewing of our minds. Then we will exhibit moral values.
‘The Bible tells us: “Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and the needy… Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.
‘Even today when we think there is so much corruption in the system, I thank the Lord it is possible for Christians to be truly relevant,” she said.
Bamugemereire was speaking at the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI Forum) in Cameroon. The event is front-lined by the Bible Society.
