It’s September 11th all over again. That’s the feeling in Uganda these days since the terrorist attacks hit Kampala on Sunday, July 11th. Three bombs exploded in two locations of crowds innocently watching and reveling in the final game of the World Cup. Another unexploded bomb was discovered at a third location in another part of Kampala. Seventy-four people are confirmed dead and many more were seriously injured.
Al-Shabab, the al-Qaeda affiliate in Somalia, has taken credit for the terrorist attacks. Their objection is that Uganda has supplied troops to the African Union peace-keeping mission in Somalia.
Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi issued a statement following the bombings in which he said:
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.
Read the entire statement.
The Archbishop concluded:
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.
Canon Barfoot, who serves on Archbishop Orombi's staff added:
Please also pray--
1. For the families of those innocent victims who are suffering from brutal deaths or injuries.
2. For those, especially church leaders, who are ministering to the injured, shocked, and frightened.
3. For the government to respond appropriately and work to keep Uganda and Ugandans safe.
4. For any other plots to be foiled and the plans of the enemy to be confused.
Those who are interested in directing financial support to the Church in Uganda via Canon Barfoot may send tax-deductible contributions to:
Global Mobilization Ministries, Inc.
1048 Irvine Ave, #556
Newport Beach, CA 92660-4602
For more information, visit www.globalmm.org
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