Katerera, Rubirizi – Ven. Canon Rev. Joab Akankunda has urged Christians to abandon witchcraft, hatred, jealousy, and gossip, and instead turn to God and hard work.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service to welcome new lay leader Yona Tumuranze at Nyakatunga Church of Uganda, Rev. Akankunda, the Archdeacon of Rugando Archdeaconry in West Ankole Diocese, warned residents against unproductive practices.
He cautioned them to change their mindset, saying many waste time consulting false prophets instead of trusting God as their true guide. He called on Christians to repent and stop witchcraft, gossip, jealousy, malice, hatred, and rumor-mongering.
“Turn to God, pray hard, live holy lives, and work hard to develop your families by fighting poverty, hunger, and domestic conflicts,” he said.
Rev. Akankunda challenged the congregation to embrace work, love one another, uphold good morals, and cooperate to develop their homes.
He also condemned child marriage in Rubirizi District, criticizing parents who withdraw children from school for early marriage. He said the practice has increased illiteracy and ignorance in the community.
He appealed to parents to sacrifice and educate their children and to teach them faith, so they become responsible citizens who can develop their families and communities. He called on Christians to forgive one another and return to God as their true refuge.
Meanwhile, Yona Tumuranze, the newly appointed lay reader for Nyakatunga Church of Uganda in Katerera, thanked the people of Rubirizi for their love and support. He pledged to work closely with Christians to develop the church and improve livelihoods.
Tumuranze promised to preach cooperation, unity, hard work, and an end to domestic conflict. He pledged to promote education, health, sanitation, and to fight corruption in the church. He also committed to mobilizing people, especially backsliders, to return to their faith, work hard, and end hunger and poverty in their homes.
Yona Tumuranze was transferred by Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, from Mugogo Church of Uganda to Nyamirima Church of Uganda. He has served in ministry for 13 years.
Story By: Tugume Muzafaru
