Mr Ofwono Opondo. Photo/Courtesy.
Government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo recently went public with some personal news.
Appearing on the NBS Frontline show Thursday night, Mr Opondo who doubles as the Executive Director, Uganda Media Centre, shared that he doesn’t believes in God.
“I am not a religious person. I am an atheist,” Opondo said.
Mr Opondo explained his appearance at Christian places of worship as a move aimed at ‘touring’ the venues.
The remarks have since drawn mixed reactions from Ugandans, especially those who identify as Christian.
Even thought over 82% of the population is Christian, Uganda’s constitution prohibits religious discrimination and stipulates there shall be no state religion. It provides for freedom of belief, the right to practice and promote any religion, and to belong to and participate in the practices of any religious organization in a manner consistent with the constitution.
A 2010 Pew Survey found that only 0.9% of Ugandans claim no religion.
“Ofwono Opondo is a prayer point now because of the senior position he holds in government,” one Christian remarked on social media.
Another, Mr Francis Ochira Omara, castigated those that responded to the government official’s remarks hatefully.
“It is our duty as believers to pursue lost sheep back to the flock. OO is not expressing hatred against the faith, but little or total ignorance. Here he needs help. Jesus for sure died and rose up for OO. And if he does not see that then something is lacking not missing in him. He should be assisted to know the Lord His Lover,” Omara explained.
Notably, this development comes less than a year since Mr Opondo identified with individuals who “don’t believe Jesus ever existed.”
“I am seeing people just condemning Ofwono Opondo as if it’s wrong to confess one’s belief. Instead of crucifying him, I’d advise to challenge him on common grounds and give him enough evidence as to why he should believe in God. I am a Christian but am happy he’s confessed that he’s an atheist which is not a crime. Do we have to force our religion on people, the answer is no. Provide evidence and challenge his thought and give him a chance to decide on his own. He’s a human being who has free will,” Facebook user Oketcho O Anang said.
“My brother, it is not too late for you to repent, God is merciful and just. His grace endures forever, other wise that statement is not good before the sight of God, the Almighty,” Amoding Christine wrote.
Arigye Micheal said: “The fool has said in His heart that there is no God.” Why did Ofwono choose to be that fool. (Psalm 51:1) I don’t believe Ofwono is an atheist, he is just blinded by small money and small fame of this broken world, sooner or later he will have to believe that God exists either here or after this life.
How can one win an atheist to Christ?
In an article posted at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s website, the famous evangelist answered a question from someone who asked for advice on how to convince an atheist best friend about Jesus.
Graham said although the person can do some things to point his friend in the right direction, convincing him about the saving work of Jesus is something he cannot do on his own.
The reason for this is that his friend is convinced that what he believes is the right thing, and if he should secretly harbor any doubt, pride would not let him admit it. However, the situation is not hopeless.
“God can do what we can’t do, and He can conquer even the most stubborn heart,” Graham wrote.
He also emphasized the power of prayer.
“The most important thing you can do for your friend is to pray for him, asking God to convict him of his sin and his pride and convince him of his need for Christ,” he said.
Graham told the person to pray for one more thing: that his life will be witness “of Christ’s peace and joy” to his friend. After all, no matter how much people argue with Christians about their faith, “they can’t argue with the reality of a life that’s been transformed by Christ,” he said.
Graham also said the person should challenge his friend regarding the consequences of his beliefs, pointing out that people who don’t believe in the existence of God have no hope of life after death. They also have nobody to turn to when they need advice or direction for their lives when tough times come.
“Most of all, urge him to examine Jesus Christ honestly and openly, as He is found in the Gospels of the New Testament. When he does, he’ll discover not only that God exists, but God loves him and wants to come into his life,” he said.
News Agencies contributed to this report.
