wfn.org | Archbishop Orombi's Message to the Nation after the bomb blasts of July 11th

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Archbishop Orombi's Message to the Nation after the bomb blasts of July 11th

Posted On : July 13, 2010 2:38 PM | Posted By : Webmaster

ACNS: http://www.aco.org/acns/news.cfm/2010/7/13/ACNS4714

> Related Categories: Uganda

I learned, with great shock, of the bomb blasts that went off at 
Kyadondo Rugby Club and Ethiopian Restaurant in Kabalagala, killing 
and injuring many innocent people who had converged to watch the 
World Cup Final on Sunday night.

As a result, there is a spirit of gloom and doom over the city of 
Kampala and the people of Uganda. Many people are bereaved; parents 
and children have been separated; brothers and sisters, lovers and 
friends are all feeling a great sense of loss and there is great pain.

This act of malice and hatred towards mankind is completely ungodly, 
especially towards innocent and unsuspecting persons. I condemn this 
act in the strongest terms possible and hope to see the perpetrators 
of this hideous crime brought to justice.

In the mean time, I call upon each one of us to desist from anger and 
revenge; this will only perpetuate the pain we already feel. Revenge 
is not a solution and neither is a sectarian approach to this problem helpful.

Let us instead now focus our energies on being a part of the fight 
against terrorism in our country. Each one of you can use your eyes 
as a great weapon to fight this evil. Even as we do so, let us not 
breed unnecessary suspicion against one another but instead seek for 
the common goal of a peaceful and just society. Remember a peaceful 
society is the right of every one regardless of their age, race, 
gender or religious inclination.

It may cost this nation a lot to try and be a good neighbour to the 
Somalis who are struggling to have a governable nation.

To the bereaved, I extend my sincere condolences. We share in your 
pain and wish you God's comfort during this difficult time.

And to the entire nation, I ask you to fix your eyes on the cross of 
Jesus. The cross is a reminder of human cruelty to an innocent 
person; the agony of pain He went through enables Him to share in our 
pain as well. He had to pay a price for us to receive our freedom. 
The blood of the Ugandans spilled on Sunday will bring to Ugandans peace.

Perpetrators may not know what they are doing but Jesus prayed a 
powerful prayer, "Father forgive them for they do not know what they 
are doing." Yet with this blood on their hands, the Righteous God 
will be the one to avenge our cause while human justice will also 
take its course.

For indeed our help comes from the Lord as Psalm 46:1 says, "God is 
our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

I pray for the President, his Cabinet, the Members of Parliament, the 
Police and all Security Agencies as they address this challenge. May 
God's wisdom direct you and give you victory over the enemies of our 
people. And may Ugandans remain united during such a trying time.

The Peace of God be over this nation now and forever.

> For God and my country!

> The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi

Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Bishop of Kampala Diocese