By Eric Yiga
The Bishop of Mukono Diocese, Rt. Rev. Enos Kityo Kagodo, has expressed deep concern over the rising wave of murders and growing lawlessness in Uganda, even as hundreds of faithful took part in the Way of the Cross in a powerful display of faith and solidarity.
Speaking during the solemn procession, Bishop Kagodo offered fervent prayers to the Almighty, asking Him to soften the hearts of Ugandans, which he described as having turned “like stone and fleshless.” He urged an end to the disturbing acts of violence that have become increasingly common across the country.
The bishop referenced a recent horrific incident in Ggaba, where a man reportedly armed with a machete attacked a group of children, killing several of them—an example he said reflects the alarming levels of brutality.
“May the Lord touch the hearts of those who commit such acts so that our nation can once again enjoy peace,” he prayed.
Bishop Kagodo also extended prayers to traders who have been left devastated following evictions from their workplaces. He asked God to grant them renewed hope and strength amid hardship.
The Way of the Cross, organized by local Christians, began at Wantoni Trading Centre under the leadership of the parish priest of St. Paul’s Church, Fr. Paul Ssebitoogo. The procession moved through Wantoni, Kikooza, Kkame Valley Market, and other parts of Mukono Town, with participants singing hymns and offering prayers.
The march continued to key locations including Mukono Municipality headquarters, Namirembe Hospital, Mukono General Hospital, and concluded at Kauga Prison.
At Kkame Valley Market, traders whose goods had just been demolished joined the procession, carrying the Cross in a powerful symbol of shared suffering and resilience.
Fr. Paul Ssebitoogo expressed sympathy for the affected traders and appealed to the government to ensure that alternative trading spaces are provided before any demolitions are carried out.
“Whenever the government plans to demolish traders’ structures, it should first provide them with an alternative place to relocate to,” he said.
Rev. Geoffrey Kaggoye of St. Dunstan’s Church also comforted the traders, urging them to remain steadfast in faith. “Cling to the Cross, which brings an end to suffering,” he encouraged.
Several prominent leaders joined the faithful in the procession. Among them was former Speaker of the Buganda Kingdom Parliament and former Mukono District Chairperson, Johnson Muyanja Senyonga, who condemned the rising cases of murder and lawlessness, as well as the eviction of traders.
He called on affected individuals to trust in God and work collectively to ensure displaced traders are resettled.
The NRM Chairperson for Mukono Municipality, John Baptist Wamala, also encouraged those affected not to lose hope but to place their trust firmly in God.
As Uganda prepares for Easter, religious and civic leaders used the occasion to call on the public to reject violence and embrace peace, unity, and compassion.
The procession served as a powerful reminder that even in times of pain and uncertainty, the Cross remains a symbol of hope and redemption for the people of Mukono and the nation at large.
