Bishop Kibuuka Condemns Religious Leaders for Embezzlement

Bishop Jacinto Kibuuka, Chairperson of the Christian Ecumenical Council of Uganda (CECU), has criticized religious leaders who embezzle funds from Christians and face no repercussions.

While preaching at Mamre Prayer Center Namugongo during the commemoration of Uganda Martyrs Day, Bishop Kibuuka condemned many religious leaders who misappropriate church money for personal use, such as marrying multiple women, educating their children abroad, and financing foreign trips.

“Religious leaders are also thieves because they are part of society. They often blame other leaders publicly accused of stealing government money, yet they themselves are guilty of theft,” said Kibuuka.

As the leader of the Evangelical Orthodox Church in Uganda, he also highlighted persistent challenges that afflict Christians, such as greed, embezzlement of public funds, land theft, abortion, moral decadence, and impunity. These issues, he asserted, pose a threat to African Christianity.

“A lot of voices imposed on African Christians threaten the culture of Christianity, including abortion, prostitution, moral decadence, impunity, and land theft,” Kibuuka emphasized.

The Mamre International Prayer Center leader urged congregants to remain steadfast in their faith and ignore those who mock them for their beliefs. “Remain focused on truth, remain focused on faith, and be hopeful that we shall overcome all challenges in this world,” he encouraged.

Kibuuka also criticized religious leaders and Christians who engage in witchcraft and sectarianism, practices he deemed contrary to Christ’s teachings. “There is evil witchcraft among Christians and religious leaders,” he lamented.

The Christian Ecumenical Council of Uganda is an umbrella body representing six religions: the Evangelical Orthodox Church, Charismatic Episcopal Church, Worldwide Anglican Church, Orthodox Anglican Church, Reformed Anglican Church, and Orthodox Anglican Church.

Gerald Nangoli, the MP for Elgon North Bulambuli district, urged Christians to remain devout in order to leave a lasting legacy, much like the Uganda Martyrs. “It is by devotion that we shall leave a legacy in this country,” said Nangoli.

“Stop stealing public funds for personal gains, such as constructing storage houses, because you will die and leave them without any legacy left,” he warned.