President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday sealed government’s decision to shut down all public religious gatherings, including churches, for 32 days effective immediately, amid wide spread of COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus.
Although Uganda has no confirmed cases yet, new Archbishop of the Church of Uganda the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba endorsed the directive, adding that the President did this “as a father who advises his children on the best way we can stay safe and healthy.”
“While it will be very difficult for us to not gather together, we stand with His Excellency in this decision because it will help save lives. As Christians and as the church, we value life and support all efforts to promote life. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10.10)” he said, in an official statement released shortly after the President’s decree.
Archbishop Kaziimba encouraged the Anglican church to develop new tools for ministry and outreach, including radio, television, and social media.
“I never expected the need for these new tools to come so quickly. But, here we are. A great evangelist once said, “Your setback can be a setup for our comeback.”” he said.
“Some churches have developed the capacity for online streaming of worship services. I call on you to expand that capacity for also broadcasting services without the presence of a congregation,” he added.
The Archbishop called upon all husbands and fathers to step up and take responsibility for leading their families in daily home prayers and in Sunday worship.
“The Family is the smallest church, and every home needs its “Family Altar.”” he said.
The Archbishop will be recording a daily devotion to be circulated on social media, including the Church of Uganda’s Facebook page and Twitter account.
“I call for this season to be a season of prayer and fasting for our people and our land. When the Lord shows you areas you need to repent personally, please do it,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
“When we have a State of Emergency, we also need Prayers of Emergency. So, I also call on the President to declare a weekly Day of National Prayer during this season to bring us all together in repentance and faith,” he added.
