The presentation of a Memorandum to the Parliament and the International Donor Community by the Religious of Uganda

On July 29th 2004 over a hundred Religious of most Institutes in Uganda gathered in the Church of Christ the King for a prayer service on the theme: "One with our suffering Brothers and Sisters of the North and the East who are not free". Then while a delegation went to Parliament, the religious continued praying in the church.

At Parliament, the delegation was well received by the Speaker and a dozen M.P.'s in the presence of the Press. The memorandum was read by Sr.Tereza Namataka SOM. The memorandum was in support of the Uganda Bishops' Easter Pastoral Message, "A concern for peace, unity and harmony in Uganda". The Speaker assured the delegates that the Government was doing its best to tackle the issues mentioned. He promised to transmit the memorandum to the President and to all M.P.'s.

When the delegation returned to Christ the King Church, the Eucharist was celebrated to thank the Lord and pray for our suffering brothers and sisters in the IDP camps who live in misery and insecurity.

At 3 p.m. the delegation was received by the Irish Ambassador (who had just been back from Gulu) and representatives of some other countries, donors and UNDP, while other religious were praying in the waiting room of the Irish Embassy. The memorandum was read by Fr. Daudi Ssemambwa OSB. A discussion followed on some of the issues raised by the memorandum, especially the question of re-habilitation of former rebels and the process of reconciliation which must take into account traditional methods. There are fears that the intervention of the International Criminal Court (ICC) could jeopardize the amnesty process and the quick return of abducted children. The question of the return of displaced persons to their home land was also raised and the priority to be given to the follow up of traumatized children. The international community was asked to help in those issues.

The ARU-JPIC commission felt very strongly that the voice of the religious women and men (who are around 5,000 working in Uganda) was listened to and it gives hope to all that something is happening. A refrain in the prayer service expressed strongly that hope "I have seen Satan fall" (Luke 10.18).

Henri Valette M.Afr.

Chairman of ARU-JPIC Commission.

The Memorandum : Download or open