My statement was not abusive, Bishop insists as he repeats call for Museveni retirement

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Bishop Reuben Kisembo of the Rwenzori Anglican Diocese has insisted his weekend public statement calling on President Museveni to retire peacefully was not abusive and was made in good faith.

In a follow-up statement published on his Facebook page yesterday (Sunday), Bishop Kisembo, who insists he doesn’t belong to any political party said: “Was that statement disrespectful, abusive or confrontational? As for the venue and forum,  I was just fulfilling my religious role of sharing God’ word in season and out of season (2Timothy 4:1-5)”.

I was just fulfilling my religious role of sharing God’ word in season and out of season

President Museveni who was presiding over the official opening of the new Kyebambe Girls School chapel on Saturday did not take the call for him to retire kindly, responding to the remarks by the Bishop as an undisciplined way of engaging on issues.

“The religious leaders have been provoking us and me in particular, it should stop. I don’t want people to lecture me about what to do for Uganda. A person who wants to lecture me must have the qualifications,” Museveni said, adding: “There is time for everything, I have come for a fundraising. There should be a disciplined way of interacting.”

Bishop Kisembo had asked the President to disregard last year’s acrimonious constitutional ammendment and retire.

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Below is the Bishops full statement on his Facebook page

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I rarely respond to different posts especially connected to my sermons or public statements. This time round I thought I should respond to posts by different people basing on my remarks at the opening of St. Elizabeth COU Chapel at Kyebambe Girls’ SSS where the President of Uganda was the Guest of Honour.

First and foremost I thank the President and all people who have given us money, ideas, skills, time, energy and materials which have enabled us to build this magnificent Chapel to worship in our Triune God. May our good Lord reward you all abundantly.

Among the many things I talked about, I made the following statement which has generated a lot of debate:

“It is true the Presidential age limit was removed from our constitution whatever justifications were made. But we appeal to you, Your Excellency to plan for peaceful succession and transfer of power from you to another person, for your own good, for the good of your family, for the good of our nation and for the good of East Africa, Africa and the whole world. Don’t deny our country that opportunity.”

Was that statement disrespectful, abusive or confrontational?

As for the venue and forum,  I was just fulfilling my religious role of sharing God’ word in season and out of season (2Timothy 4:1-5).

I have categorically stated that I don’t belong to any political party whatsoever and don’t promote anybody’ interests. I don’t have an atom of interest in any political office. I am just fulfilling my calling as a religious leader who has the mandate to talk about anything created by God whom I serve.

For God and my Country.

+ Reuben Kisembo, via Facebook.

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