By Chris Mugasha
As millions of Christians across the World started their lent season, the Bishop of Diocese of West Ankole Diocese Rt. Rev Johnson Twinomujuni has called upon the believers/Christians to commit the nation-Uganda and its leaders to God especially now that the Country is getting closer to the challenging time of elections come 2026.
However, the Bishop did not indulge into details but his call comes at a time when there is a sharp rift between the government and the opposition political parties with one of Uganda’s leading opposition figure Dr Kiiza Besigye and other ‘political prisoners’ in prison on different charges. In the on-going Kawempe North byelections campaigns, security agencies recently run battles with supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) which left several NUP supporters and journalists hospitalized over injuries they sustained due to security agencies’ beatings.
“Give time and pray for your church and her leaders. We are in a spiritual fog due to an influx of false teachings, cults and the occult. Pray that the light of God’s truth may shine brighter still as the times get darker!,” Twinomujuni appealed to Christians in his lent season message.
Below is the Bishop’s message.
LENT
A time for Reflection and Renewal
Beloved, I greet you in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
As we begin the lent season, words in James 4:8 come to my heart: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you,” as well as hymns like “Jesus keep me near the cross” and “When I survey the wondrous cross.”
In this Lent season, let us give ourselves time for spiritual reflection and renewal.
Restraining ourselves from certain foods and other things we love most should not be for its own sake. It should be for a solid purpose.
Let us think about ourselves and our relationship with God.
Let us get closer to Him with contrite hearts in prayer and repentance.
Let us endeavour to imitate His goodness by doing good to ourselves and to others. Keep away from anything that can harm you, and determine not and never to harm anyone.
Let us meditate upon God’s word to us in His Holy Bible as individuals, families and groups.
Get time to pray and present your thoughts, feelings, fears and needs to God. Pray for your wellbeing, progress and protection, as well as that of your family, relatives and friends.
Also, remember to commit our nation and leaders to God, especially now that we’re getting closer to the challenging time of elections.
Give time and pray for your church and her leaders. We are in a spiritual fog due to an influx of false teachings, cults and the occult. Pray that the light of God’s truth may shine brighter still as the times get darker!
Lent is always very rewarding for each one that takes it to heart! It makes a difference and puts a positive mark in every aspect of our lives. If we exercise discipline, physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and politically, we shall not remain the same.
Concerning discipline with restraint on foods and duration between meals, I advise those who have medical conditions to consult their medical professionals or personal doctors for advice, so as to remain safe. Your health may require that you maintain your routine. If that is the case, comply. You still can have time with the Lord.
Remember what the Lord teaches us in Isa. 58:6-7. There He shows that true fasting is *doing good* to others, not just giving up food and other comforts.
May the Lord bless and keep you all! May He rekindle our spirits and renew our strengths, in Jesus Christ.
Love and blessings! Have a blessed LENT SEASON!
Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni.
End.
