A church in Luweero has been forced to cancel an invitation to former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi to be chief guest at their fundraising function this Sunday. St. Paul Church of Uganda is set to hold a fundraising ceremony on October 19 to raise money to complete its church structure and buy a public address system. Former Premier and National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Amama Mbabazi was expected to be the chief guest. However, reports say that St. Paul Church of Uganda came under immense pressure to cancel the invitation. Reverend Simon Kyazze of St.Paul Church of Uganda reveals that early this week Luweero LC 5 Chairman Abdul Nadduli approached the organizers and asked them to drop Mbabazi as chief guest. Nadduli argued that it would not look good for Luweero to be seen to host Mbabazi who is perceived to have fallen out with NRM party chairman and President Yoweri Museveni. Kyazze says church leaders have decided to cancel the invitation because they do not wish to be seen to be involved in political wrangles. Kyazze says the church first approached Mbabazi to be chief fundraiser at the function in April, 2014. Then Premier Mbabazi requested for the ceremony to be postponed to October. Mbabazi had confirmed willingness to attend before the church rescinded the invitation. When contacted Nadduli admitted meeting the fundraising organizers and urging them to reconsider the choice of chief guest. Nadduli also promised to look for the funds the church needs. However the Christians and members of organizing committee have insisted that Nadduli has no right to order them to cancel the invitation of Amama Mbabazi.John Nsubuga, the lay leader of the church, Daniel Tamale Mukasa chairperson for youth affairs and Joyce Mazzi among others have insisted that Amama Mbabazi will preside over the fundraising as chief guest because its not a political affair and the church is open to all people irrespective of their loyalty to the sitting president.They have also described Mbabazi as generous contributor to church activities and one who delivers on his promises rather other government officials that promise ‘air. They also explained that they were interested in inviting Amama Mbabazi in his personal capacity.
Posted on: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 05:19:56 +0000