`

MERRYLAND HIGH SCHOOLS

ENTEBBE

KIGUNGU AND KATABI

S6 TERM ONE 2020 HOLIDAY WORK

DIVINITY

P245/4

LAW AND ORDER

Laws are set of rules and regulations established by the state or any organization for the
purpose of regulating behaviors of its members. Or it refers to a documented, standardized
and authoritative code of conduct meant to guide and regulate people’s behaviors. There
are various types of laws like civil laws which deal with the private affairs of citizens. For
example school rules and regulations.
 Customary laws, deal with observation of culture. For example marriage and land
ownership.
 Natural laws, they deal with feeding and sleeping rights.
 Bi-laws, these adopted by small societies like the LC. For example prohibiting people from
dumping garbage anyhow.
 Supreme laws, in other words constitutional laws which govern the country.
 Professional laws, such laws govern professionals in their conduct. For example teachers
code of conduct.
 Religious laws, these are laws set by given religion to guide the behaviors of its people.

WHAT ARE THE PURPOSES/ IMPORTANCES OF LAW AND ORDER IN SOCIETY?

Law and order serves the following importance;

1
`

 To maintain peace and stability in the society. For example respect to marital laws to
promote family stability and thus promoting proper child bringing.
 Laws promote loyalty between the state and citizens as well as organizations.
 Laws help in promoting justice in society. For example the supreme laws.
 Laws help to overcome violence such as strikes and demonstrations which can lead to
destruction of property and loss of lives.
 Protecting the weak, disabled and less privileged members in the society.
 Laws help in promoting diplomatic relationships between nations and organizations for
example laws concerning the East African Community, laws concerning fishing on Lake
Victoria.
 Laws promote and maintain fundamental human rights and freedom. For example the
law against termination of one’s life.
 Laws help in regulating accidents and loss of lives the traffic laws that prohibit over
speeding, drinking alcohol and driving under the influence of alcohol.
 Laws help o eliminate wrong doers in the society and encourage good behaviour in return
providing a basis for punishment.
 It helps to protect the right and property of individuals for example customary and supreme
laws.
 Helps to promote religious practices for example encouragement of monogamy.
 Helps to promote democratic leadership.
 Laws help to promote national unity and harmony in the country for example the laws
against tribalism and segregation.
 Laws encourage good programme for example in schools poor performers may be
banned from school.
 Helps to control sexual immorality like rape, adultery, prostitution and defilement.
 Helps to guard against misuse of leisure. For example public smoking, time to open video
halls and bans in towns like Kampala is set by the law.
 Helps to promote or preserve cultural beliefs and norms. For example the law concerning
circumcision for example among Bagishu, Bakiga, Bakonjo, Sebei and others
 Laws promote responsible parenthood. For example customary laws and supreme laws.

ACCOUNT FOR THE VIOLATION OF LAWS IN UGANDA

 Ignorance of the law by most people.

2
`

 Increasing levels of permissiveness in societies.

 The escalating levels of poverty in the country leading to foreign money, stealing and
ridging votes to win political ports.
 Too much greed for power.
 Corruption in courts of laws has also led to abuse of laws especially by the rich.
 Militarization of politics and dictatorship which makes soldiers intimidate the judiciary and
voters.
 Putting up oppressive political ideologies such as single party system.
 Disrespecting human rights like the right to vote, right of association, freedom of speech
and others
 Weak penalties offered in courts of laws have caused violation of laws through mob
justice.
 The wide spread unemployment and retrenchment of employees without warnings and
benefits accorded to them.
 The wide spread drugs in the society such as cubber, marijuana.
 Lack of religious commitment.
 Increasing gap between the rich and the poor.
 Peer group influence.
 Desire to become rich easily and quick.
 Inadequate man power in some government department. For example police force.
 Laziness of some people.
 High lust leading to rape, defilement, prostitution.
 Influence of pornographic literature.
 Influence of the environment.

WHAT ARE THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF CITIZENS IN UGANDA?

 The human rights of a citizen in Uganda are based on the 1948 United Nations declaration
of human rights and the 1995 constitution of the republic of Uganda.
Everyone has a right to life chapter 4, article 2 subsection one and two.
 Right to have access to means to support life, adequate food, shelter, clothing provided
by the government if not enabling the citizen to get them easily.
 One has a right to education article 30.
 Right to marry and rise a family but at the age of 18 years and above and at a dissolution.

3
`

 Everyone has a right to own a property but with respect to the rights of others article 26.
 Citizens have a right to associate with others, a freedom to join and form an association
like a trade union or a political party.
 One has a right of freedom of speech and information article 29.
 A religious liberty and freedom of conscience article 29 subsection c.
 Right and freedom to participate in the politics of his or her own country especially when
he/she has the necessary qualifications.
 A right of respect to human dignity and protection from slavery and forced labour, article
25.
 A right of privacy of a person, home and property, article 27.
 A right to clean and health environment, article 39.
 Children to be cared for by their parents or those entitled to them. However the children
are expected to respect and co-operate with their parents otherwise the right would be
rendered useless.

SHOULD A CHRISTIAN INVOLVE HIMSELF IN THE ARMY?

Yes, a Christian should involve in the army basing on the following reasons;
 By joining the army a Christian also becomes a protector of the lives of citizens and his
life plus the property away from enemies. This is in line with God’s commands in Genesis
1:28-29.
 A Christian should involve in the army because it indicates following Christians principles
and commands. God protected the Israelites against their enemies in war and so as a
Christian has a right to be in the army.
 It is justified for a Christian to join the army as a way of building defense around the
country from enemies and creating peace. The gospel of Mathew 5:9 clearly says, happy
are these who work for peace, God will call them his children.
 The bible gives examples of people who were great soldiers under God’s protection. For
example Cornelius, King David who defeated the great philistine commander Goliath (1
Samuel 17:50-54)
 Christians are called upon to be in the army because they are the light and salt of the
earth, so they would give a good direction to others to be morally upright if they are in the
army.

4
`

 A Christian does not live in isolation from the community and the nation at large.
Therefore he is called upon to take up his constitutional responsibility of depending the
nation and promoting peace.
 A Christian should join the army for useful purpose for example distributing food in times
of calamities and rescue missions like during wars or accidents, earthquakes and others
 Christians are free to join the army for the purpose of doing tasks like exhumining dead
bodies and discovery of new geographical features which become a basis for
development in the country.
 A Christian involvement in the army is important for promotion of peace that also God
wishes his people to have.
 A Christian should be in the army for supporting other security organs such as the police,
to fight and prevent crimes in the society.

However to a smaller extent may not be supported to join the army basing on the
following views;
 Christianity encourages a spirit of love, forgiveness and reconciliation but a Christian
soldier finds it hard to use the above principles because the army mainly uses violence
against evil doers.
 The major purpose of the army is war which is against the Christian principle of peace
with one another and living as brothers and sisters of the same father.
 The Christians would always want to conquer evil with love since evil cannot solve evil
according to Christian teaching but involvement in the army by a Christian means he may
be forced to use force to solve evil.
 Christians are urged not to join the army because Christ brought peace not war to mankind
when he broke the chains of death so one should be a peace maker not a warrior.
 A Christian involvement in the army is not justified because before God there is no reason
for domination of one another. He created mankind as equal to one another.
 War is man’s desperate way of solving problems which as Christianity teaches that
problems can be solved through reconciliation.
 Christians do not justify the involvement in the army because war involves killing which is
a sin before God who taught the Israelites not to commit murder (Exodus 20:13)

5
`

 Because war creates enmity between individuals and nations like USA and Libya during
Gadafi’s reign, America and Iran, Rwanda and Congo, a Christian may not wish to join
the army because he is supposed to create peace but war creates enmity.
 Many Christians do not support joining the army because many armies of Africa are
associated with immoral behaviours which are ungodly raping, prostitution, drug abuse
homosexuality.
 War is evident approach to problems which is not acceptable to god and may also
discourage a Christian to join the army. In Mathew 26:52-53, Jesus used peaceful means
to put back the ear of the soldier which was cut off by his disciple and also requested
those who came to arrest him to put back their swords.
 A Christian may not like joining the army because war brings suffering and destruction to
the community. In addition to hunger, refugees, spread of diseases and others
 Christians do not justify war/ involvement in the army because war is Satan’s weapon of
destroying life and causing suffering.
 Joining the army or war may not be justified by a Christian because it is against the
Christian virtues and principles of love, respect, forgiveness, endurance, faithfulness,
kindness, trustworthiness and others

IN WHAT OTHER WAYS SHOULD A CHRISTIAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE SECURITY OF

HIS OR HER COUNTRY APART FROM JOINING THE ARMY?
A Christian can contribute to the security of his/ her country apart from joining the army
through doing the following;
 Supporting government and military programs like reporting criminals in the society.
 Encouraging others who want to join the army to do so.
 By paying taxes to state to support buying food and materials to support the army.
 Bringing up healthy and disciplined children with Christian morals who can even join the
armed force.
 Helping the state to recruit potential man power like the police, army and other civil
services.
 Praying for peace to prevail in the country.
 Encouraging dialogue between worrying factions like Besigye verses Museveni.
 Attending politician courses like at Kyankwanzi leadership center and local
mchakamchaka training.

6
`

 Giving advice and exposing insecurity that is likely to take place in the area so that it is
dealt with immediately.
 Involving all sectors of society to give direction like being a member in the local council.
 Being a watchdog of peace, security, justice and the rule of law with in the country that
would promote democracy and security.
 Offering children formal education to live a bright future.
 Involving in radio and TV talk shows. For example Mambo Baado on CBS, Akabinkano
on Bukedde TV and others
 Resisting government activities that violet people’s fundamental rights and freedom. For
example abuse of freedom of press, association and imprisonment without trial.

CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS

CRIMES
These are offences/ omissions or any act a person does which is against the set rules and
regulations governing a given society.
In other words a crime is an illegal practice (unlawful which people commit and are punishable
or it is a morally wrong behavior.

ACCOUNT FOR THE RAMPANT INCREASE IN CRIME RATE IN UGANDA TODAY?

The increasing causes of crimes in society today are the following;
 Lack of parental care. Where some parents have failed to provide the basic needs to their
children like food and education, the young ones have involved in crimes like stealing,
prostitution, fornication and others
 Drug abuse like alcohol, vayagra, cocaine have changed the body chemistry of some
people hence ending up committing crimes like murder, rape, defilement, robbery, fighting
and others
 The escalating levels of poverty in the country have also increased crime rate. People
commit crimes like stealing, corruption, bribery, prostitution due to the need o earn a living.
 The high levels of permissiveness in society have increased cases of crimes in society.
The freedom the youth enjoy today has rendered them into behaving immorally or against
the law through acts lie acting pornography films, and nude dances (kimansulo).
 The high levels of employment in Uganda has led to increase in crimes in form of pick
pocketing, prostitution, murder, fornication, adultery, homosexuality and others

7
`

 The poor examples shown by the religious and political leaders. Some of these people
have been reported involving in committing crimes like adultery, corruption, defilement,
adultery hence giving other people opportunity to do the same.
 Corruption in courts of law. This has led to increased mob justice.
 Ignorance about the law by many people in Uganda. This has led to increased mob justice
because some people are not aware that they are committing crimes.
 Social and economic imbalances in the country between individuals and regions. This
has paved way for crimes like stealing, witchcraft, envy and others
 Political activities like ridging of elections has also led to increased crimes like organizing
rebel activities, murder, kidnapping and others
 Peer group influence can influence one to engage into crime.
 Environmental factor . For example living in slums, near bars and near discotheques.
 The desire to become rich quick. This has ended into committing crimes like murder,
cheating, corruption.
 The weak enforcement of law and order by the state . That is to say, the few number of
police force has enabled cases like prostitution to continue.
 Economic hardships together with late payment to civil servants and other workers. This
has led to committing crimes like corruption, bribery, as a way of seeking for survival.
 Rural urban migration leading to creation of urban unemployment resulting into drug
abuse.
 Domestic violence and sexual dissatisfaction. This leads to adultery and fights.
 Cultural practices and beliefs that a woman is inferior to the man has paved way for crimes
like domestic violence, rape in the home.
 Existence of incurable diseases like HIV/AIDs has forced some people to spread it to
innocent people.
 Watching pornography and reading romantic novels has led to committing crimes like
rape, defilement.
 High sexual lust has led to committing crimes like rape and defilement.
 Oppression or political opponents causes strikes and wars.

WHAT ROLE HAS THE CHURCH PLAYED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIMES?
The church has played the following roles to fight against crimes;

8
`

 The church has taught morals to the young ones and emphasized morality in the society
through its daily preaching.
 The church has preached forgiveness and reconciliation among community members
especially politicians like Besigye and Museveni to discourage revenge or going to the
bush for war.
 The church has shown good example to the followers not to involve in committing crimes
but have a forgiving heart like Christ was. For example the Roman Catholic pope forgave
a man who shot at him.
 The church has condemned drug abuse which lead people into committing crimes . For
example alcohol, cuber.
 The church leaders have tried to provide projects to the poor so that they can reduce on
committing crimes and be occupied with work. For example the send a cow project of the
catholic at Kitovu Massaka.
 The churches like the Catholic Church have set up banks like the centenary rural
development bank which offer jobs to some people like askaris, cleaners who would be
committing crimes like robbery.
 It has encouraged teaching Christians ethics in schools more so in their church founded
schools like St. Henry’s Kitovu, Rubaga Girls SS, Rubaga Boys SS, St,. Joseph Nsambya
SS, St.Mary’s Kisubi SS.
 Church leaders like Archibishop Cyprian Lwanga of Rubaga cathedral and Pastor Sempa
of Makerere Pentecostal church have tried to fight against crimes in society through
preaching against sectarian tendencies like tribalism which causes crimes like corruption.
 The church sometimes organizes seminars for the youth and other members who wish in
places like Nsambya sharing hall proper morals are then impacted in youth as a way of
controlling crimes.
 Sometimes the church leaders organize activities which occupy the minds of the youth
and are unable to commit crimes due to idleness some of these activities include football
and volleyball competitions.
 Sometimes the church leaders organize door to door preaching of the gospel. This has
left many youths converted to Christianity and hence reducing on cases of crimes in
schools like fornication.
 The church leaders have encouraged good relationship between parents and their
children. This helps to guard against crimes like child torture.

9
`

 The church encourages respect to civil authority by its followers because Jesus Christ
respected single authority (Mark 11:12)

APART FROM CHURCH, WHAT OTHER WAYS CAN BE USED TO CUB/ CONTROL
CRIMES IN THE SOCIETY?
 The government should set up the inspector general of government office so as to observe
the rights of citizens and penalize those involved in violating people’s rights and freedom.
 By allowing freedom of press print and electronic media.
 Constant revision of workers’ wages and salaries in accordance to the standards of living
in the country.
 The government should speed up the rate at which criminals are tried in courts of law.
 The government should seriously punish corrupt officials like the judges for example being
dismissed and paying fines.
 There is need to construct homes for the poor, orphans and wanderers and even de fed
with food and clothing.
 Government policies and programmes should create employment opportunities to fight
unemployment which leads to safety.
 The government should equip the law enforcement bodies like police and army with
adequate machinery like cars, guns and others
 There should be serious censorship of mass media to control pornographic influences
which lead to crimes like rape, defilement, homosexuality, adultery.
 Plays and songs should be composed and written to show people the danger of moral
degeneration and corruption.
 The government through fiscal and monitory services on the gap between the rich and
the poor through providing them with free education and medical services.
 Free guidance and counseling should be provided to the society by the government,
NGOs or the church.
 The government should work hard to promote peace, security and stability in the country.
 Remand home should be established to handle some criminals who are notorious.
 The government should support games and sports at different levels of the society. These
would help the young people to learn discipline and promotion of national unity.
 Community policing and sensitization of the masses about their rights should be
emphasized.

10
`

 The government should show the will of fighting corruption. Through punishing
government officials convicted in corruption by demoting them, making them pay.
 The government should try to reduce the number of fire arms in the hands of private
people who misuse them and commit crimes like robbery and murder.
 The parliament should also revise some laws such that the punishment for committing
certain crimes should be in lie with the crime committed and should be heavy enough to
prevent people from committing the same crime like adultery, defilement, fornication and
others

PUNISHMENTS
Punishment is defined as deliberate denial of some human right by lawful authority because
of failure to obey the law or respect the rights of others.

TYPES OF PUNISHMENTS
1. Capital punishment. This is putting to death of the criminal after judgment by a
competent court.
2. Imprisonment. This is a punishment given to a person after the courts of law have judged
him or her to be in prison for a specified period of time depending on the gravity of the
crime committed. However one may be sentenced to life imprisonment while others for a
few years, months, weeks and days or hours.
3. Payment of fine. This is a form of punishment where the court might order the accused
to pay a given fine depending on the damage caused.
4. A warning from the magistrate or any lawful authority. This serves as a psychological
punishment and is normally given to crimes of law intensity to society . For example
abusing an elder.
5. Corporal punishments. This is the kind of punishment employed by institution such as
police, schools and the army. It involves exerting pain to the criminal through caining.
6. Probation punishment. Here a person is required to report to police or the courts of law
after a specified period of time like twice a month. It is commonly given to people who
are on bail as investigations still go on.
7. House arrest. This is form of punishment in most cases given to political prisoners to
deny them interaction with the masses which can cause uprisings and damage of
property.

11
`

THE AIMS OF PUNISHING WRONG DOERS

Criminals are punished in society for the following reasons;
 To discourage them and others from repeating the offense committed.
 To warn others who may wish to commit the same offense.
 Punishments are given for the purpose of causing reform.
 Punishments are given to promote public security . For example imprisoning a robber or
expelling a student who is a homosexual.
 To promote loyalty to authority.
 Punishments help to maintain law and order in society . For example in schools when
wrong students are cained discipline will improve.
 Punishments are important in areas like schools to improve hard work and good results.
 Punishments are important in discouraging immorality in society. For example sexual
immorality like rape, adultery, fornication, prostitution and defilement.
 They encourage respect for religious, cultural norms and values . For example punishing
a person undermined the bible teaching.
 Punishments such as paying fines lead to acquisition of material wealth to the offered
individuals hence improving the standards of living.
 Punishments are important in protecting the weak from being taken advantage of by the
rich and powerful members of the society. This is in line with the biblical teaching as the
lord is always unhappy with those who oppress the poor. (Prov 22:22-23)
 Punishments promote proper upbringing of children for the benefits of the society. This
gives pride to parents as indicated in Proverbs 29:17, 22:15, 13:34.

WHAT FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN DETERMINING THE PUNISHMENT

TO BE GIVEN TO THE CRIMINAL
The power to determine one’s punishment is always in the hands of the judge and what the
law states.
However the following factors are important in determining the nature of punishment to be
given to the criminal;
 The number of times the criminal has committed the crime.

12
`

 The circumstances under which the person committed the crime, determines the
punishment to be awarded. For instance being under influence of alcohol or for self
defense.
 The purpose of punishment should be considered . That is to say, it should be reformative
not destructive.
 The sex of the person also be considered. Generally women are a weaker sex and so
should be given lighter punishments.
 The impact of the crime to the society should be put in consideration. For example
someone who has committed murder should be given heavy punishments like life
imprisonment compared to the one who has committed adultery.
 The responsibility of the person in question for example a baby feeding mother should be
given less punishment compared to the one who is free.
 The age of the criminal should also determine the heaviness of the punishment.
 The power of the law should be taken into consideration . That is to say, one should not
be punished beyond the stated punishment by the law.
 The willingness of the criminal to reveal others involved in the crime committed.
 The health status of the suspect should also be considered.
 The method used in committing crimes should be based on determining the nature of
punishment should be given to a criminal . For example a person who used a gun to
commit a crime should be given heavy punishment of imprisonment for many years than
one used false defense to commit a similar crime.
 The political climate when the crime was committed should also be considered for
example during political campaigns.
 The future life of the criminal should also be considered for example if one is too old life
of imprisonment should be minimum.
 The punishment should be as a sign of warning to others not to commit the same offence
and to cause repentance.
 It should also focus on the fundamental human rights and freedom of the criminal such as
the right to life and freedom of association.

WHAT ARGUMENTS ARE GIVEN BY THE PEOPLE AGAINST CAPITAL

PUNISHMENTS?

13
`

Capital punishment means putting to death of the criminal by the public authority as a
consequence of the verdict and a sentence passed by a competent court of law.

It is a form of punishment which involves sentencing someone to death through the law.

Many human rights activities and mainly Christians are against capital punishments because
of the following disadvantages associated with it;
 Capital punishment is against the fundamental human rights of Ugandans basing on
article 21 of the 1991 Ugandan constitution.
 Many Ugandans are against capital punishments because it is irreversible and final which
sometimes leads to death of innocent people.
 The punishment does not give the criminal an opportunity to reform yet the major purpose
of the punishment should be reforming the criminals.
 Christians are against capital punishments because it looks like legalized murder which
is a sin in the sight of God who only has the power over our life. (Exodus 20:13)
 Human rights activities are against capital punishment because it it a degrading and
dehumanizing form of punishments where a person is killed like an animal in the abatour.
 In most cases by the time a death sentence is passed and implemented the criminal would
have served enough torture and painful experiences in prison thus capital punishment in
most cases is double punishment which is ungodly.
 Christianity dorishes pardoning forgiveness which is centrally to capital punishments.
 Some people believe that two wrongs cannot make one right thing, so killing some does
not restore the life of the first one, so rehabilitating the criminal is better.
 Capital punishment is discouraged by many Christians and human rights activities
because it does not detect crimes from continuing in the society.
 Christians are called upon to love each other including their enemies but capital
punishment is against the great command of love in Mathew 22:36-40.
 Many people do not like capital punishment for it promotes a spirit of revenge by the
relatives of the victims. For example when Sadam Hussein former Iraq president was
murdered by Americans on the night of 30th Dec 2006, it sparked off more violence and
death.
 Christians argue that since Jesus Christ was condemned as a criminal, he took away the
sin of capital punishment.

14
`

 Jesus abolished capital punishment for adultery (John 8:11)

 St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 5:1-2) recommended ex-communication not
execution of the gross sexual immorality among the Christians and this would give a
sinner time to reform.
 When King David committed adultery and murder he repented and he was forgiven by
God, so we need to give a chance to criminals to repent her than putting them to death.
 Christians do not support capital punishments because hey might spark off civil wars and
creating hatred between the government and the relatives of the killed person.
 Capital punishment causes psychological torture and suffering to the relatives and friends
of the victims.
 It makes the criminal feel pain only at the time of death thus it would be better to subject
the criminal to life time imprisonment that would encourage him to repent.
 However capital punishment may be useful because of the following factors;
 Some people argue that murderers should be deprived of their right over life since they
deprive others their right to life.
 It helps to install fear among citizens and therefore maintains respect to the state authority
thus reducing the crime rate in the country.
 It acts as a warning to the would be offenders of a similar crime which threatens them
from committing the crimes.
 The supporters of capital punishments also argue that according to Moses’ law, murder
or other crime could earn the criminal a death penalty (Lev 20:10-21, Deut 21:22, 1 Kings
18:40)
 The state has the freedom to choose the best way to handle and maintain peace in the
society and capital punishment may be the best option.
 Supporters of capital punishments say it ensures that the community is concerned about
the security of the citizens through putting to death those who are grave criminal like
murders.
 Capital punishment is good because it warns political dictators that such can happen also
to them . For example when Sadam hessein was killed it was a warning to the dictators
of the world.
 Capital punishment is supported by some people for it promotes respect for the lives of
the less privileged like the poor and women who are harassed by men sexually.

15
`

 In the military capital punishment is supported because it promotes discipline and respect
of children’s rights.

EXAMINE THE CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON LAW.

The following show that law is permitted in the bible;
 Genesis 1:28 indicates God giving man to the command to go produce and subdue the
world.
 Exodus 19 and 20 this indicates that in the bible God gave Israelites laws to follow.
 Duet 5:31-33 teaches that laws must be respected in maintain harmony.
 Israelites were given laws on the kind of sacrifices to offer to God and also animals and
birds to eat and not to be eaten Leviticus.
 Christianity teaches that both men and women are equal before God.
 Ezekiel 18:18-20 teaches that those who break the law must be punished.
 Jesus recognized the Ten Commandments and summarized them into two . That is to
say, love the Lord your God with all your heart and also love your neighbors and enemies.
 Jesus improved the Sabbath law by teaching that the Sabbath was made for man and not
man for the Sabbath.
 Christianity in the book Romans 13:1ff teaches that all believers should obey the laws
without questioning.
 In Mathew 5:16, in the beatitudes Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to
perfect it.
 The letter of 1 Peter 2:13-17 teaches Christians to observe civil and criminal laws thus
showing how laws are important in society.
 In the book of Acts 5:29 and 4:19 teaches that were the development law contradicts with
Christians teaching. A Christian should obey God’s law rather than government law.
 Christianity also teaches that Jesus respected the law of the Jews . For example he
supported the issue of paying taxes to Caesar the Roman ruler.
 Christian teaching is that strict observation of the law can make one ran away from God
because laws doesn’t bring salvation.
 In the letter of Paul to the Galatians, he also taught about the law where he said, the law
does not put man right with God but its through faith.

16
`

“THE JUDICIARY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INCREASED CRIME RATE IN UGANDA”.

DISCUSS.
The judiciary is the law enforcement organ of the country.
No, the judiciary is not responsible for the increased crime rate in Uganda because of the
following positive roles it plays;
 It punishes criminals who have been found guilty by sentencing them to jail.
 It acts as a moral reformatory body to those who commit crimes.
 Judiciary tries to achieve justice in society where violence has been.
 Advises the executive on matters like applying dictatorial leadership and organizing
swearing in ceremonies.
 Interpret the constitutional laws to people.
 Judges arbitrates (conflicts) between individuals.
 Interprets the laws to the public and trying to teach them either on radio, or TVs or
newspapers.
 It warns suspects who have been brought to court never to engage again in such a case
reported to them.
 Judiciary describes fines that can be given by the offender to the offended as a form of
compensation.
 It protects people’s rights in society by seeing that the law is upheld.
 It helps individuals to succeed property of the deceased in case a will was written through
them.

However the judiciary can be blamed for the increased crime rate in Uganda basing on
the following factors;
 Some judges take sides politically which incites violence . For example the deputy chief
justice Kavuma passed a decree for FDC members to stop paying on Tuesdays at the
headquarters as it was organized after the 18th Feb 2016 presidential elections.
 Some lawyers or judges mix freely with people in public and create friendship which
makes their work hard to judge cases when such friends are brought to them hence
ending up judging cases unfairly.
 Some judges have been noted breaking their ethical conduct by receiving bribes and
accepting corruption as to judge cases in favour of the rich.

17
`

 Some judges are unfair that they released dangerous criminals that they claim to have
not evidence for example Justice Mukibi of Masaka district had released kato Kajubi in
2010 who had master minded Joseph Kasinge a 12 years boy.
 Some judges are so commercialized in that they do not have enough time to judge cases,
they keep pushing them to future dates.

However, other factors should put into consideration like;

 Poverty
 Unemployment led to crimes like theft.
 Family instabilities
 Lack of parental guidance
 Influence of mass media
 Permissiveness
 Greed for money
 Peer group influence
 Decline in traditional horms

Analyse the challenges of achieving democracy in Africa.

Democracy is the government of the people for the people by the people.
 There is too much poverty in African countries.
 Some African leaders over stay in power and fail to dead democratically like Museveni
and Mugabe.
 The influence of western countries some of the support dictatorial government.

Discuss the factors that led to emergency of dictatorial regimes.

 Decline in religion and morals
 Greed for political power
 Permissiveness in society
 Poverty
 Desire for revenge
 Ignorance about the law by the people
 Political rivalry
 Wide spread corruption by those in leadership.

18
`

 Excessive desire for quick wealth

 Influence of the army
 Lack of patriotism

Suggest ways in which Christians can solve such problems

 Preach the gospel that leadership comes from God.
 Should preach that no one is above the law.
 Should preach love and forgiveness among political leaders.
 Should be contented and pray to God for more.
 Having a forgiving heart and solve the issues amicably.
 Should encourage political leaders to be sincere and just to the law.

How can a Christian adolescent keep her/himself pure?

 Resisting sex before marriage.
 Seeking for guidance and counseling from elders on matters of sex not to make mistakes.
 Engaging in constructive leisure activities like joining church choir.
 By reading the word of God for guidance on sexual purity.
 By attending Christian seminars which can help one to be strong until marriage.
 By praying constantly.
 By patient and abstaining from sex before marriage.
 By trying to have self control over one’s body as Paul taught.
 Choosing rightful peer group members.
 Avoiding staying in dark places with no security.
 By avoiding reading pornographic literature which can entice someone to engage in sex.

“You are advised to use a condom for safe sex” an AIDs worker said to the youth in a
certain secondary school. As a Christian, comment on the advise of the AIDs worker.
The idea of the AIDs worker was wrong because;
 The idea would encourage sexual immorality among students whereas the book of
Leviticus 18 discourages such sexual relationships.
 It can lead students into loosing concentration in students spreading much time in love
making.
 The gospel of mark 5:42 discourages misleading the young into sex.

19
`

 AIDs worker is setting a bad example before the youth.

 Because it is against God’s command procreation.
 The youth will become impatient about sex yet love waits.
 The idea of the AIDs worker is bad because it encourages sex before marriage yet sex is
only to be done in marriage.
 The condom would be too expensive to the students and may end up involving in live sex.
 The idea of the AIDs worker may wrongly encourage students which may lead to abortion.
 The idea may encourage many students to use condom and may carelessly dispose out
the used ones in toilets which may cause drainage breakage and dirtiness of environment.
 May cause young children getting access to them and using them as balloons.
 Because students are religiously encouraged to abstain from sex till marriage.
 It can lead to more spread of HIV/AIDs among students because they are permitted to
involve in sex before marriage and some of them may not know how to use condoms.
 The idea prepares students to become unfaithful partners during marriage.
 It makes young girls to lose their virginity before the right time.

What should be the Christian response to AIDs victims?

A Christian should;
 Encourage the victim not to fear the…………….
 Should assist the AIDs victim with clothing, washing for him or her.
 A Christian should be conscious not be affected to and also not to spread the disease.
 Pray for the victim and also encourage him/her to pray for him/herself.
 Encourage the victim to remain faithful and hopeful.
 Offer food and housing if possible.
 A Christian should make research for medication.
 Encourage the victim to go for medication at TASO offices.
 Conceal and confirm the victims.
 Encourage the victim to prepare for the next life and repenting for the sins.
 Encourage to go for professional counseling.
 Provide ARVs if possible.
 Encourage the victim to listen to gospel music.
 Encourage the victim to join the choir to sing for God.

20
`

Women should not have equal opportunities with men” as a student of CRE, discus
the validity of the statement.
 Both man and woman were commanded to develop the world and guard it.
 Both men and women should have equal opportunities because they were created too.
 Both served as leaders according to the bible . For example Deborah ruled as a judge
and a prophet just like Moses.
 The book of Lev 22:1ff teaches that judgment will be for both men and women.
 Men and women have to be with equal opportunities because Jesus served both men and
women.
 Jesus associated with both men and women John 4:1—5.
 When God saved the Israelites from slavery in Egypt Ex 7.
 The laws given to Moses in Exodus 20 it is wrong to say men and women are not equal.
 God’s love for the Israelites was for both men and women Sabbath day (Deut 13:22)
therefore women should have common duties with men.

However on the other note the bible indicates that women should not be equal with
men basing on the following teachings;
 Before the law women were considered second hand. (Exodus 20:17)
 A childless woman could not reject her husband’s unfaithfulness and marriage to another
woman.
 Women were not counted during national census even at the time of Jesus.
 1 peter 3 teaches women had to always be submissive all the time to their husbands.
 1 peter 3 also teaches women were inferior to men and considered to be a weaker sex.
 The gospels indicate that most of Jesus’ disciples were men.
 1 Corinthians teaches that women were inferior in the Corinthian church did not take part
in leading prayers, the choir and making suggestions openly only done through their
husband.
 S.T Paul also teaches that the husband is supreme over the wife. (1 Corinthian 11:31)
 The book of Leviticus 15:19-20 shows inequality between men and women as it is only
women who were considered unclean.
 Deut 22:5 showed inequality between men and women in that women were not allowed
to put on clothes for men.

21
`

 Genesis undermines the women and is taken as a weaker sex who was easily tempted
by Satan leading to man’s disobedience of God.

ACCOUNT FOR THE CHRISTIAN APPROVAL OF MOB JUSTICE.

Mob justice is the type of justice where public takes the law in the hands. OR

It is where a group of people punish a person in their own way with or without following the
set rules and regulations.
The following are;
 It is not legally accepted.
 It does not give an opportunity a person to defend him/herself.
 It can lead to death of innocent people.
 The act is inhuman because stripping someone noted or flogging him or her is ungodly.
 It is because the bible condemns it in the book of Mathew 7:1-51 which says do not judge.
 Because Jesus abolished it according to John 8:1ff.
 Because it causes instability and disorder to ………….family yet the bible teaches people
to promote stable relationships.
 It undermines one’s dignity yet we were all created in God’s image.
 The act causes shamelessness yet the bible encourages respect of human rights.
 The act is uneducative and does not give a person a chance for rehabilitation as
punishments should do.
 People take the law in their hands which is illegal before God.
 People who do it do not look at the cause but just punish before analyzing yet the bible
encourages people to judge others critically because we are all sinners.

Suggest solutions to the above problem.

 The government should sensitize people about the dangers of mob justice.
 Police should always be ready not to kill but control people who carryout mob justice.
 Police unite should be placed in almost all places for easy accessibility by people who
want to record their cases.
 Strict laws should be put in place to deal with those who carryout mob justice.
 Heavy punishment should be given to those who carryout mob justice like imprisonment
and paying fines.

22
`

 Courts of laws should be well managed to reduce cases of corruption which sometimes
lead to mob justice.
 Realistic punishments should be given to criminals not necessarily killing them but
rehabilitating them.
 Government should try to fight idleness especially in towns because an idle mind is the
devil’s workshop.
 Religious leaders should pray for criminals and those who carryout mob justice to have a
sense of reconciliation.
 Fundraising can be carried out to help those who are in need so as they can avoid stealing
which can cause mob justice.

THE CONCEPT OF THE LAW IN AFRICAN TRADITIONAL SOCIETY

Though the law wasn’t form, it indeed existed in African tradition so it was of verbally inscribed
onto the hearts of everyone.
The following instances show/indicate that the law existed;
 People In African traditional society had belief in taboos. These were a series of dos and
don’ts or acceptable and unacceptable behaviours expected to be followed by the people.
Failure to abide by the taboo could result into a penalty. For example boys weren’t
allowed to marry girls from the same clan, boys were also prohibited from sitting on the
fire stones commonly known as “amasiga” and if they did, they were told they would
develop a hydro-cell “empanama”.
 There were village courses. Such structures handled disputes between individuals.
These courts were mainly handled by elderly people of reasonable experience and
responsibility. So they disciplined individuals who committed crimes. Among Samia, if
there was a prolonged dry season, the village members would attack a person suspect to
be a rainmaker and clobber him for bringing famine to the village.
 The concept of the law also existed through the clan courses. These courts handled
persons/issues that threatened the survival of the family and the clan at large. For
instance in Teso the women who were abandoned by their husbands would sue them in
such courts because of sexually and materially starving them. They would be fined cows
and ordered to resume conjugal/marital obligations.

23
`

 The law In African traditional society was extended by the elders to the young generations.
The elders imparted social values to the young ones so as to bring up morally upright
citizens. For instance among the Baganda in central Uganda, the young ones whether
boys or girls were trained to greet all elders while kneeling failure to do so would result
into serious punishment.
 In African traditional society the law was taught by parents themselves. These were
mandated to teach their children all the customs and norms of the family, clan and the
surrounding society at large so as to bring up morally upright citizens. For instance in
Bugisu society in Eastern Uganda the parents ensured that their teenage sons underwent/
received circumcision ritual. This ritual indicated one’s transition from childhood to
adulthood.
 In African tradition the chiefs also had courts of laws that ensured order or peace was
observed in society. In the case of Buganda society in central Uganda, in case there was
a land conflict between neighbouring families it was the chief “mutaka” who helped to
resolve this problem.
 There existed the clan meetings which also helped to resolve this problem.
 There existed the clan meetings which also help to sort out problems within some clan
members. A clan court could be organized to sit and the issue had to be solved by
headship of the clan leader. In some clans like the cob “mamba” clan, they agreed
through the clan head that it was okay to marry within the clan especially one from mamba
kakoboza to marry from mamba nyunga.
 The law In African traditional society was observed through king’s words. He was the
epitome of law and order and his commands had to be observed strictly. He was usually
the last court of appeal. For instance the Omukama of Bunyoro would often be the one
to try people suspected of collaborating with his arch enemies like Buganda. Anyone
found guilt would be sentenced to death.
 The uncles and aunts were charged with the duty of ensuring that the young respected
the sexual laws of the society and that the cherished important aspects of their social
heritage. For instance among the Igbo of Nigeria, the aunt ensured that her niece
abstained from sex until marriage. If she did so, she would be stoned to death.
Similarly in Buganda among the Baganda the aunt had a duty of teaching the adolescent girl
her future responsibilities as someone’s wife thus was done through taking girls for bush
school lessons.

24
`

 Peace and harmony was observed In African traditional society through emphasis that
everybody was to be a policeman of the other and had a task of ensuring that laws and
order prevailed in society. Those that failed to abide by the set law were punished. For
instance among the Galla a son-in-law was forbidden from mentioning the name of his
mother-in-law or eating food prepared by her.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LAW AND MORALITY

The term morality means having good behavior as defined by the church law customs or
following the state order.
The law and morality have to a greater extent a big link/ relationship as noted below;
 The laws governing a particular society a usually intended to enforce moral values to the
people. So whoever respects the laws of the state is automatically believed to be morally
upright. For instance the law prohibits acts like cheating, bribery, corruption, forgery and
prostitution. So anyone who obeys such laws is said to be moral.
 Both the law and morality define what is good and what is bad. Therefore what is
accepted by the law is also accepted by morality and the reverse is true. For instance
women who wear mini skirts and kundi shows are often condemned as indecent clothing
by moralists and even the law defines them as being idle and disorderly and can be
penalized.
 Both the law and morality have some aim. They aim at creating order stability and
harmony in society. Laws are put in place to create order and social harmony, of such
harmony exists, then there is morality in the society.
 In societies where there is a high sense of morality people properly living by the expected
standards, there is no need to put up strict laws. For instance in monasteries its hard to
find there laws prohibiting sexual immoralities because automatically known that priests
or nuns do not marry.
 The laws of the country usually reflect people’s wishes, aspirations and cultural values.
So these constitute morality. For instance in Uganda the laws prohibit sexual immoralities
like prostitution, homosexuality, lesbianism and adultery. Those caught engaging in them
may be by law penalized.

However to a smaller extent, morality and law may conflict in the following ways;

25
`

 The law may protect what is socially unacceptable and immoral. For instance in the
United States of America, sexual immorality like abortion and prostitution are legally
accepted. This is however considered unacceptable and immoral by the moralists.
 Some laws do not echo/ reflect people’s aspirations and wishes but reflect only the wishes
of those in power. Such laws are oppressive and suppressive and so not in line with
morality. For instance in Uganda the opposition politicians are not allowed to hold rallies
before notifying the police station in the nearby locality.
 The law and morality sometimes conflict in that the law at times declares some things as
bad and unacceptable. For example in the Afghanistan women doctors and nurses were
prohibited from practicing medicine and only required by law to be at home caring for their
husbands. Similarly in the Arab world its by order that women have to veil themselves
when moving in public.
 The ways sometimes used to enforce the laws are harsh which makes some people
become rebellious and behave immorally. For instance the KCCA laws over payment of
taxes by tax drivers has resulted into several riots in Kampala.

THE ROLE OF THE STATE IN ACHIEVING THE AIMS OF PUNISHMENTS

The state has to play a vital role in achieving the objectives or aims of punishing criminal.
 The state is supposed to carryout immediate arrests of the suspects once a crime has
been reported. Once the state unit the police does so, the victims may not face mob
justice. For example former Vice president of Uganda Honourable Gilbert Bukenya was
arrested and jailed tried in courts of law because of misusing CHOGHM 2007 funds.
 The state has to carry out clear investigations to collect substantial evidence against the
suspects so as to pay for fine for the crime committed. For instance the state sent forensic
experts to Kanungu to collect evidence to rely on for prosecution of Joseph Kibwetere
who massively murdered over 1000 followers in 2000.
 The state is mandated with a duty of organizing prosecution charges upon. For instance
Richard Arinaitwe a known serial killer was charged with several courts of murder and
attempting to strangle a high court judge who tried him. Even Chandi Jamwa was
prosecuted in courts of law because of misappropriating NSSF funds.

26
`

 The state always endeavours to ensure the suspect is given a fair trial and that a
miscarriage of justice does not occur. In other words the suspect should be penalized in
accordance to the law.
 The state plays a role of sentencing a criminal to the harshest punishment if he is a hard
core criminal and a repeated offender especially those convicted of treason. For instance
the government of Uganda convicted colonel Besigye at Luzira prison for sometime on
charges of treason. Even in Rwanda perpetuators of the 1994 genocide were severely
tried.
 At times, the state takes key witnesses to protection counters for protective custody so
that with their assistance they may smash the criminal gangs and rid society of such
criminals. For instance the United States wherever anybody agrees to testify in its
defense against drug traffickers or terrorists cells in the country, always takes them away
to unknown destinations (safe houses) for protective custody.
 The state upon convicting the suspect takes in the place duty of imprisonment such people
convicted are jailed at Luzira prison, Kigo prison or at Nalufeenya criminals arrested by
operation wembly police squad.
 The ultimate aim of punishment . That is to say, for reformation or transformation of the
criminals back to a laws abiding citizen. In some cases the state rehabilitates the criminals
by giving them life skills free of charge training. For example at luzira prison some
criminals are taught modern carpentry tailoring and general secondary school education
skills.
 Criminals confined in solitary place (jails) in many countries ar sometimes taught the laws
so that when they come out, they can be law abiding citizens. For example when former
mayor or Kampala Ssebagala Nasser Ntege was arrested in Boston on forgery of dollars,
he was taught things like introduction to English, computer applications and aspects of
the US law.
 The state caries out monitoring of criminals to assess the degree of their rehabilitation
and to stop them from being lynched by the common man. For example after releasing
colonel Nasser from jail, the state kept an eye on him to prevent mob justice and see that
he really reformed.
 The state caries out public sensitization of the people in trouble areas to reduce tension
and prevent any other riots for example when riots ocured in Kasese in 2016 led by

27
`

Omusinga, he was arrested and jailed in Jinja and then the government UPDF took over
control of the area.
 In Kyenjojo, Hoima and Masindi districts the police took control of the area so as to reduce
tension between the Banyoro and Bakiga over land conflicts.
 The state ensures security between the offender and the offended. It does this through
isolation of hard core criminals from mixing freely with petty criminals. For example Luzira
maximum prison the condemned prisoners are prohibited from associating freely with
other inmates and have a cage to separate them permanently.
 The state in developed societies sometimes convict the criminal sentence to a reduced
period of prison sentence. If the criminal shows signs of reformation they may be
conditionally set free for example president Y.K.M of Uganda released brigadier Moses
Ali though he had been imprisoned on treason charges.

COMMON WAYS OF EXECUTION

Punishing criminals takes the following ways;
 Hanging is one of the methods used to convict criminals. In this case the victim is put to
death by hanging on the noose by the gallows. It is common in U.S.A and Arab states
like Afghanistan. It was used by U.S.A to kill Bin Laden.
Lethal infection is a common method of executing criminals in United States. The criminal is
put to death by injecting him/her with poisonous substance which eventually puts victim to
death.
 Firing squad is also used as a method of executing criminals. The victim is put to death
by shooting bullets to him/her. It was common in Uganda during Idi Amin’s regime
although even in this reign of president YKM it has been exercised especially carried out
by the Wembly squad which fights serial criminals.
 Electrocution is another method used to execute criminals. In this case the victim is forced
to sit on an electronic hair. His feet and arms are strapped and a very high power voltage
is unleashed and then it kills the criminal instantly.
 A victim may be executed by the method of beheading. In other words the head/ neck is
hacked off. The victims head is laterally cut off using a sharp instrument like Machate or
sword.

28
`

 Grassing though not common, is yet another method used to execute criminals. A person
is enclosed/ confined into a room then a poisonous gas is flashed to him/ her such gas
like Vx nerve gas and cyanide is used.
 Some utilities execute victims through sending fierce animals that have been starved such
as a lion, leopard, crocodile and alligator. The victim is forced to fight these animals until
in most cases the victim is killed. It was more common in the ancient Roman empire.
 Marronment is used to execute victims. He/she is put to death by being abandoned in a
strange place like a forest and desert then the victim is left to starve to death.
 In some cases punishment of a victim takes the form of drowning the culprit into deep
water where he/she dies of suffocation. This was common with the Bakiga in African
tradition when punishing a girl who engaged in fornication. She would be pushed to River
Rwizi.
 Suffocation is a method used to execute criminals. Here a victim is confined in some
place where all oxygen is sacked out and then more caborndioxide is pumped into such
a room and eventually he died instantly.
 Wall crushing is a method used to execute victims. The victim is placed behind a wall
which is then crushed –torn down by a bull dozer. It was used in Afghanistan by the
Taliban to destroy homosexuals.
 Stoning a victim to death is also a common method used by people. It is similar to mob
justice. However it is still common in Arab states who follows the Sharia law for example
Saudi Arabia and Nigeria and Afghanistan.

CHRISTIAN POSITION ON MOB JUSTICE

Largely Christianity/ the church does not support the act of mob justice because of the
following reasons;
 To Christians mob justice is bad as it’s a sign of cruelty, brutality, inhuman and generally
a sign of misuse of power. Even our Lord Jesus clearly condemned in the instance where
he saved the woman caught in adultery from being stoned to death as their law stated
(John :1-11)
 In the Christian sense mob justice is condemned because it indicates lack of love and
kindness to our dear brothers and sisters yet Christianity centers on the spirit of love for
one another as Paul ……………his letter to the Corinthians teaches that love is patient
and kind which is not exhibited through mob justice (1 Cor 13)

29
`

 The act of mob justice is wrong in the Christian sense since it lacks respect for the dignity
and sanctity of human life as it involves torturing of the suspect/victim. The bible teaches
man was created in the image of God (Gen 1:26) and so should preserve it.
 The Christian position on mob justice is that it isn’t supported since sometimes the act is
administered to innocent people. This has been noted in many town areas like Kampala
where suspects are at times undressed. Many times motor cyclists have also killed
suspects of killing their comrades who hire then and later are killed.
 Christians do not agree with mob justice because its an illegal way of punishing victims.
In fact many times even if the victim was a serial criminal suspects who may have killed
him rare arrested and tried by law. This is one reason as to why the police has always
been on high alert for clashes like between Banyoro and Bakiga and the 11th Nov 2016
clashes in kasese where over 100 people killed (Charles Wezire Mumbere clashes)
 In most cases mob justice results into murder which to Christians is a sin before God that
is why many Christians condemn it. Its biblically written that anyone who spills the blood
of a person created in God’s image should himself be dealt with equal. (Gen 9:6)
 Mob justice to Christians is condemned because it shows the failure of the society to its
duties. The elders who are biblically commanded to take care of the flock are failing to
play their role as stipulated in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians 6:4 or 1 Peter 5.
 The act of mob justice is condemned biblically because it shows man capturing god’s
power. Christians know that it is only God who has the right over one’s life and death.
 The Christians support the idea of guidance and counseling other than acting with anger.
Its true some people commit mob justice under influence of drugs. But counseling them
is a better solution.
 Christians are against the act of mob justice because the suspect is denied a fair trial in
courts of law as expected. The book of Acts 25:16 calls for one to have self defense if
convicted.
 Christians do not agree with mob justice because two wrongs cannot make one correct
thing. So if one killed your member and you recite by killing him too, still it does not restore
the life of your member instead there should be a sign of forgiveness other than revengeful
minds.
 Mob justice is condemned by Christians because it sometimes causes more riots between
the side of the offended and those who carry out mob justice. This generally happens
between different religions or tribes or between two competing schools.

30
`

 Christians are against mob justice because it undermines the work of the police unit and
judiciary which have to work hand in hand to implement the law. In the book of Romans
13 Paul clearly calls for respect for civil leadership because it drives its power from God.
 The position of Christians over mob justice is no because God is our only judge. He has
never assigned any other person to judge on his behalf. So Christians should suggest
that believers should follow the teachings of James in his letter 4:11-12 which says that
you should not judge others so as you too may not be judged. Even St. Paul refrained
Corinthians from judging one another.

DICTATORSHIP
This refers to a situation in which the leader does not exercise his/her power in such a manner
that does not reflect constitutional provisions/ the will of the people instead the leader judges
issues by use of force or using undemocratic measures.

ACCOUNT FOR THE RISE OF DICTATORIAL REGIMES COMMON IN AFRICAN STATES

 Tribalism and strong hatred for people from other tribes. This spirit kept the Tutsi minority
unwilling to hand over power to their arch-enemies the Hutu. This resulted into the 1990
– 1994 Rwanda genocide.
 Long stay in power ultimately makes some people dictators. As the white man says that
power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. For instance for president of
Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe had become a dictator because of over staying in power for
over 35 years. However by 13/11/2017. He was militarily over thrown by the army
command of General Munangwa.
 High greed for money (kleptomania) is one other cause of dictatorship. Some rulers want
to amass as much wealth as possible using even dubious ways. For instance the late
former president of Congo Zaire Mobuto Sseseseko led for many decades. Actually at
the time of his death, his wealth was greater than that of his country.
 Many leaders have become dictators because they manipulate the army to defend and
sustain themselves in power for long. This happened clearly with the former president of
Uganda Gen. Idi Amin (1971-79) who had a high support of the army. It has become the
same case with leaders like Y.K.M the president of Uganda and General Paul Kagame
the president of Rwanda. Because the army supported them, they have turned out to be
dictators.

31
`

 Some people become dictators because of too much self confidence. Some believe its
their God given task to rule others the way they want. Former president of Zimbabwe
Robert Mugabe had become too old at the age of 90 years to remain ruling the country
having too much self confidence and even sharing his presidential powers with his wife.
However by 23/11/2017 his own army commanded by General Mnangagwa over threw
him in a gentleman’s coup that involved no blood shed at all.
 Weak opposition towards the ruling government is another major cause of growing
dictatorial regimes in Africa. The opposition parties tend to be divided up by having their
own selfish interests which makes it hard to form a joint opposition forum. For instance
DP and FDC and CP all have internal squabbles and factions which the NRMO has
capitalized on to cling on power for over 30 years.
 At times people become dictators for fear of leaving power and facing prosecutions for
the crimes they committed in power. So even when their tern of office expires, they devise
means of extending their term of office either constitutionally or by use of force through
the army. This state of affair has been exemplified in Uganda through the NRMO
government. Joseph Kabira of Congo has also extended his term of office for the same
fear.
 The existence of civil wars in the country sometimes causes dictatorship. Presidents use
ruthless means to stay in power. For instance President Robert Taylor of Liberia besieged
by rebels started using arbitrary arrests without trial and putting up various curfews. The
president of Sudan Bashir has also clinged on power using the same approach.
 Dictators normally emanate from undemocratic elections, in other words rigging elections
such leaders keep themselves in power by use of cruel, arbitrary arrest and torture of al
those who come up to oppose election results. In this case former FDC president and
presidential contender since 2001 Colonel Kiiza Besigye Kifefe has been arrested several
times and tried in courts for trying to lead demonstration rejecting President Y. Museveni’s
elections results like those of 2016.
 At times some leaders become dictators because they lack good adviser. Instead of
telling facts these advisors sing praises to the leader even if he/she is in wrong. For
instance late Sadam Hussein’s (Iraq) influential advisors were his two sons and cousin
“Chemical Ali” who misadvised him leading to his engagement into his guillotine.
 Misinterpretation of religious teachings has led to the growth of dictatorial regimes in the
world today. Such leaders with no religious virtues end up applying cruel and terror acts

32
`

to all their opponents. This style of dictatorship is more common in Islamic states where
Sharia law is more exercised.
 Many African presidents are dictators because they cling to power through military means.
So even when they pretend to put up democratic elections, they use all means possible
like rigging elections through the electoral commission to remain in power. This has been
noted in countries like Uganda and Rwanda. Joseph Kabira in Congo was supposed to
organize elections in 2016 – extended 2019. The effect of the East-West (cold war politics)
has continued to promote dictatorship. Some leaders stick to power because they expect
favours militarily from the allied power. For instance, historically Fidel Castro of Cuba was
sustained in power by the communist states like Cuba, Russia, China and North Korea.

CHRISTIAN RESPONSE TO DICTATORSHIP

In a state of dictatorship, a Christian is advised to do the following;
 A Christian should carry out constant prayers so that God may soften their hearts and
guide them on the form of leadership. For instance Archbishop Desmond Tutu used to
call the nation to prayers to bring an end to apartheid regime in South Africa. The Uganda
joint Christian council has also been noted several times speaking against some
dictatorial government tendencies like the 2017 age limit bill for president Museveni and
extending presidential and parliamentary term of office from 5 – 7 years.
 Christians are advised to guide and advise people in power to lead in the interest of the
people and the will of God. In the Old Testament God instructed Samuel to anoint for
them Saul. This was by the will of the people.
 Christians in leadership need to solve problems that come up in society at an early stage
before they grew out of proportion. For example the division of the monarchy of Israel
came about because Rehoboam and the leaders before him ignored solving the social
problem leading to a revolt (1 King 12)
 In a dictatorial regime a Christian needs to stick to the constitution so as to minimize
dangers of dictatorship. Samuel clearly spelt out how God expected Israel’s king to be.
(1King 9:10)
 Christians are called upon to actively take part in the voting exercise. This can help
him/her to organize others vote out a dictatorial leader. This is why people like George
Ware a former African football player of the year has contested and won presidency in

33
`

Liberia Dec/28/2017. Even Olessogun Obasanjjo voted into counter the problems caused
by dictator Abacha.
 Similarly Christians are urged to form their own political parties. This can help to promote
the wishes and aspirations of Christianity. This is why some parties like Democratic Party
(DP) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) were started by Catholics and the Anglicans
respectively.
 The church leaders can help to control dictatorship in the country by seeking for audience
with leading politicians or even the top dictators and air out their weaknesses. This can
create a change in him or her. For instance many church leaders today have criticized
the 10th parliament for passing the presidential age limit and even parliamentarians
extending their term of office from 5-7 years as the constitution earlier stipulated.
 A Christian should advocate for the strengthening of the powers of the judiciary. This may
reduce the tendencies of the president from dictating how cases should be judged in
courts of laws.
 A Christian has to advocate for peace talks between dictators and the people so as to
have stability in the country. Even Jesus encouraged peace in the as note in matt 5:9.
 Christians are called upon to air out publically like on media houses the evils of the dictator
and show what people feel about it. This can be done on Christian radio and TV stations
like Radio Maria, Namirembe FM, Top TV and Channel 44.
 In order to fight dictatorship Christians have an obligation to inform the masses about their
civil duties, responsibilities and rights. This help them to elect wisely and ensure elections
held are free and fair. This is why several times UTCC usually levels out election
observers especially during presidential and parliamentary elections.
 Criminals can bring down dictators by holding non violent protests like walk to work. This
can give a signal to the leader and he may adjust.
 Christians may call upon the world community to assist them get rid of the dictator. For
example arpartheid regime in south Africa was brought down because of international
travel ban and economic sanctions levied against the British racist regime.
 Christians can fight dictatorship through directly involving kin war if all peaceful means fail
to work out.

CHRISTIANITY AND POLITICS

ACCOUNT FOR THE CHRISTIAN INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS

34
`

Politics is the governance/mechanism concerned with dispensation of power and distribution

of collective resources.

Many Christians believe that politics is not a dirty game as some people take it but it’s the
politicians who make it a dirty game. Therefore a Christian is free to join politics on the
following basis;
 Christians should directly participate in politics in order to safeguard their rights and
privileges provided for by the law. In some countries like Southern Sudan Christians have
for long been blocked from participating in their Franchise. Thus hindering their rights.
 Christian leaders are called upon to participate in politics because they pioneer many
nationalistic struggles to settle civil conflicts. For instance the Late Arch Bishop Mpalanyi
Nkoyoyo (5/01/2018) plus other religious leaders of U.J.C.C played a bid role to settle the
conflicts between Joseph Kony of LRA and UPDF.
 Christian involvement is important to ensure political events are well coordinated. Te first
politicians like Moses and Samuel were both prophets and politicians of Israel.
 Christians should participate in politics because God chose many religious leaders in
various capacities. For instance in peter’s first letter (1 Peter 5), he called upon the church
leaders (shepherds) to lead the flock of God willingly and to show a good example.
 Christians should not shun politics because from the biblical history Christians have
always participated in politics some serving as counselors to Kings. For example prophet
Samuel always counseled and advised King Saul (1 Sam 15)
 Christians need to participate in politics because all civil power and authority come from
God and nothing exists without his will. According to Paul’s letter to the Romans 13, he
called upon believers not to shun away from politics.
 As Jesus the teacher and savior of the sins of believers engaged in politics, so we
Christians should feel free to participate also in politics. Jesus showed his participation
by making laws for Israel for example he drafted the cardinal commandment of love
(Matthew 12:28-34)
 Similarly Christians are called upon to engage in politics because our lord Jesus did not
at all condemn it, but instead recognized the work of the emperor of Rome when he said,
“Give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God”. (Mark 12:17)
 Christians ought always to engage in politics because this can enable them easily to
initiate and sustain development projects that can boost the economic welfare of the flock

35
`

of God. In this case the projects like Rubaga, Mengo, Nsambya Virika and Kitovu hospital
have grown strong because of a good connection between the church and central
government. Even some Christian founded schools like Rubaga Girls SS, St. Henrys
College Kitovu, St. Josephs Nsambya SS have been sustained and developed because
the heads of those institutions participate fairy in politics.
 Christians are called upon always to engage in the politics of their country because they
will play a vital role in fighting against dictatorship and persecutions of political opponents.
This they can do through political engaging in parliamentary debates if elected as
members of parliament. For instance the 2017/Dec/20 presidential age limit ban and
extension of parliamentary and other local council term of office could not be passed in
Uganda if we had more fanatic Christians in parliament.
 Christians should not shun away from politics because its God himself who commanded
mankind to take care of the creation (Gen 1:28) for God said “be fruitful multiply, fill the
world and subdue it. This command calls upon Christians to take part in politics.
 Jesus taught that Christians are the light of the world as echoed in Mark 4:21-25. So
Christians can only show themselves as the light of the world through engaging in politics.
 Christians should join politics in order to easily utter out the weaknesses of their leaders
and call them for reformation. Samuel did it well to the pioneer kings in Israel like Saul
when he went astray, Samuel could come up and guided him (1 Sam 13)

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND STATE

Both the church and the state are social institutions that aim at seeing the well being of the
people is good. However the state is more concerned with political issues and distribution of
resources fair/ evenly in the country for social developments yet the church is more keen/
interested. Centre on the moral and spiritual uprightness of the citizens.

Therefore the two establishments are unseparable due to the following roles they play
alongside each other;

 As the church continues to encourage the believers in Christ to have good moral values
emulating the example of Christ, the state similarly calls upon citizens to live a morally
upright way respecting the constitution of the country. For instance the church condemns

36
`

corruption strongly and so does the state which even has several organs like the Uganda
police and IGG sector fighting against corruption in government civil offices/ departments.
 The church usually works hand in hand with the state in mobilization of people for national
duties. For instance if there is an epidemic out break like cholera, need for immunization
of children, election process out break of insecurity in some parts of the country and many
others, both the church and state tend to mobilize the masses together because it benefits
all Uganda whether one is religious or a pagan.
 In the spirit of developing nationalistic feelings the church and the state cannot be
separated. This is because in many countries of Africa, nationalistic sometimes against
colonialism was first exhibited through the church. Africans formed independent churches
against missionary dominated church with an aim of fighting for self rule. For example
the native African church in Nigeria, Zionist church, natal African church in South Africa
and the Ethiopian church plus others. In Uganda the struggle for independence was
spear-headed by the Uganda people’s congress (protestants) and democratic party (DP
of Catholics)
 The church and the state are inseparable because they co-operate in many aspects of
social responsibility. Many projects started by the church are supplemented by the
government. For instance schools like Kings College Budo, Namilyango College S S St.
Henrys College Kitovu Masaka districts and some hospitals like Rubaga Hospital,
Nsambya Hospital and Mengo hospital were church founded but now funded by the
government. This is because such projects benefit al categories of Ugandans.
 The church has worked well with the state when fighting injustices in the country. For
example the leaders of the Catholic Church have often condemned injustice like murder
of innocents people. Entebbe, Nansana, Lwengo, Bukomansombi. The state through the
president has organized ralies in such places and returms security in those areas.
 From time immemorial religious leaders have acted as counselors to politicians and
always helped to guide them in good leadership required of them. For instance over the
Christmas celebrations of 2017 orthodox and some muslim leaders all condemned in their
preachings the constitutional commandments made on 20th/12/2017 extending
presidential and parliamentary term of office in Uganda.
 Both the church and the state co-relate/coordinate in policy formations and
implementations.

37
`

The church ensures that the bills passed in the parliament are taught to the followers. For
example the bills aren’t in favor of the people. For example strongly came out to oppose the
newly amended constitutional bill 102(b) which brought in a change of parliamentary and
local council leaders to extend from 5-7 years and the presidential age limit removed (made
open) to all Ugandans from the age of 18 years.
 The church and the state relate in matters of pilgrimages. For instance when the catholic
and protestant church are organizing the celebrations to remember the 3rd June 1886
Namugongo massacres, at the holy shrine, the state works hand in hand by providing
security and control traffic at Namugongo.
 The church and the state also work hand in hand with each other whenever either party
has controversial issues to deal with. Each calls the other for abortion. For instance during
the Saga in Kigezi diocese in which people planted pins and needles in the bishop’s chair
to pierce him, the state got with involved in trying to reconcile the rebellious Christians
with the clergy.
 The state and the church have remained in good relationship through the state accepting
to honour the Christian days of religious importance and are declared public holidays and
days like good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday, Christmas and Uganda martyrs day
are celebrated nationally as special religious days.
 The state often treAfrican traditional society religious leaders like Arch bishops in a V.I.P
status, giving them special cars, escorts or protection if need be. The state usually funds
renovation of churches like Namirembe cathedral, Rubaga Cathedral and Namugongo
martyr shrine.
 The state also often exempts the church from paying certain taxes as they import or
receive donations from abroad like cars yet other business people are forced to pay taxes
for some of these donations. For instance most vehicles owned by the catholic church or
C.O.U have Red and white number plates ending with letters X,Y,Z and W indicating that
some taxes were waived off.
 The church has lived in good terms with the state for long in matters of rendering/ offering
prayers to some elected civil servants especially the president. For instance while
commemorating independence day celebrations and swearing in of a new president,
usually religious leaders for different denominations are limited and given opportunity to
pray for the nation, the people and particularly the president elect.

38
`

CASES/ AREAS OF DISAGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND THE STATE

Account for the causes of misunderstandings between the church and the state.
There are a number of reasons/ circumstances that often lead the church and the state into
conflicts and these are analysed below;
 Misunderstandings between the states and the church sometimes arise from the state
putting up laws which the church considers immoral and socially unacceptable. For
instance the church is against the state legalizing divorce in courts of law yet the bible
teaches that what God goes has joined no man shall separate. (Mark 10:1-12)
 Sometimes religious leaders conflict with the state because they get involved in acts of
crime incompatible with their status. For instance Joseph Kibwetere of the restoration of
the ten commandments of God based in Kanungu district in the year 2000 massacred
over a thousand of his followers convincing them that they would go direct to heaven in
the new coming 2000. This attracted state intervention and resulted into great conflicts
between the state and the church.
 Meddling too much in the affairs of the church done by some politicians who want to judge
the limits of religious leaders. For instance currently in Uganda in the year 2017
December 20th, there was a constitutional amendment bill passed erasing presidential
age limit which touched the minds of many Ugandans religious leaders inclusive. But
when such religious leaders like Arch bishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga of Lubaga
cathedral and Orthodox leaders plus the protestant leader (C.O.U) tried to criticize the
decisions made by the NRMO parliamentary members, the president attacked them.
Thus causing grudges between the church and the state.
 Disagreements between the church and state sometimes occurs when politicians make
religious insensitive or provocative statements that undermine the credibility of the
religious leaders. For instance a politician named Otafiire was quoted publically uttering
statements of undermining Jesus’ God’s nature and power. One time a parliamentarian
from NRMO secretariat moved a motion in parliament to remove “God” from the national
anthem, courts of arms and all statutory instruments and legal documents.
 At times conflicts emanate from the failure by political leaders to honour nationally of
internationally the gazette religious holy days. For example the once president of Cuba
stopped Christians from attending Sunday services and even forbade celebrations of
Christmas from 1967-99.

39
`

 The conflicts sometimes originate from the decisions taken by the state to ban the
production and circulation/ distribution religion. For instance the Arab states like
Afghanistan forbid importation of bibles and other related materials.
 The emanation of conflicts between the church and the state come from the church
leaders who get actively involved into politics and start campaigning for some candidates
within the church.
 Conflicts may arise when the church feels the state is oblivious (unmindful) to wide spread
circulation of pornographic materials with no government action taken. For instance the
late Arch Bishop Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo of the C.O.U had earlier in May 2003 led a
demonstration in Kampala against the news paper nude publications.
 The misunderstandings between the church and the state at times occurs due to
widespread corruption and abuse of office by politicians. Many government civil servants
have been nabbed swiddling the common man’s money meant to benefit the masses. For
instance Gilbert Bukenya (former vice president was jailed for misuse of CHOGHM money
of 2007, David Chandi Jamwa was arrested for misappropriation of NSSF, former minister
of health Jim Muhwezi was also tried in courts of law for mishandling foreign funds meant
to buy drugs for HIV/AIDs victims.
PARTISM IN POLITICAL SYSTEMS
There are three party systems that exist in the world namely; single party system, two party
system like in USA and multi-party system common in many African states.
However our main discussion will centred on single party and multi-party system

SINGLE PARTY SYSTEM (MOVEMENTISM)

This is a kind of political system whereby only one party is legally accepted to operate within
a country following the constitution. Other parties are tightly restricted from operations but
members can cross to the ruling party.

Advantages of a single party system

The proponents of this kind of leadership argue that;
 As single party system easily promotes broad basedness. It embraced all tribes and
villages under the system of transferring the politics to the village level to all people
irrespective of religions, tribes or social status are made to participate in politics freely.

40
`

 Single party system promotes genuine independence since the system fights new-
colonialism in most cases in an attempt to promote African culture, therefore genuine
independence can easily be achieved people tend to be more united in struggling for self
rule.
 Single party system can also promote democracy because it allows all people right from
village level to participate in government. However to Jomo Kenyatta a former president
of Kenya once observed/ said that “All two party states are not democratic and so, to him
parties are good depending on the nature and charisma of the leaders.
 It promotes development easily. The system may be used as a mechanism to mobilize
the masses for political and economic development. This argument was also supported
by legendary African nationalists like Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana), Sekou Toure (Ivory
Coast) Julius Nyerere (Tanzania).
 Single party system is advantageous because it promotes unity easier than multiparty
system that many times are formed on tribal and religious lines like democratic party (DP)
was formed by catholic and UPC formed by protestants in Uganda. Such divisions are
avoided in single party system.
 In relation to the above, the system promotes ethnic unity. Single party system tends to
curb down micro-nationalism which is common in multi party system which even leads to
out break of civil wars like ones that occurred in Buganda, Kasai in Zaire in Congo. A
single party system tends to unite all tribes for a common goal. This was highly
experienced in Tanzania under president Mwalimu Julius Kambalage Nyerere through his
single party system called chama chama under socialism.
 A single party system promotes African culture where such system operated there where
no rulers and opposition and it was characterized with “under” ib ree democracy”. Most
of the social problem were discussed and solved through the spirit of consensus.
 Single party system is advantageous because there is limited wastage of money as
compared to a multi party state. Much of the funds that would have other political parties
can be saved to promote social services like health, education infrastructures and
industries.
 The system promotes good relationship within the government. The fact that all
representatives of the people like the parliamentarians belong to the same party (umbrella
organization), its because quite easy to coordinate or promote the government

41
`

programmes and also work upon the people’s needs like renovations of roads schools or
hospitals.
 The fulfillment of the party agenda is easy since there is no opposition pressure imparted
to the leaders. They have ample time to prepare or organize funds to work meeting their
set targets. However still because of limited opportunities, many African leaders turn a
deaf ear to the demands of people who voted them in such seAfrican traditional society.
So they become despotic corrupt or tribalistic as it is commonly noted in multi party
political system.
 There is limited opposition in one party system which becomes an advantage, decision
making becomes easy since all people belong to the same ruling party can compromise
each other new policies designed by the government.
 Its also liked by many people because it promotes good leadership based on the fact that
voting is carried out on the emphasis of merit. In a country like Uganda where the
constitution provides for all posts to be contested for, it gives those who are elected to be
responsible to the electorate right from the grass root levels.

WHY SINGLE PARTY SYSTEM MAY BE A DISADVANTAGE

The system of having only one party constitutionally permitted to operate in the country has
the following demerits;
 The system so oftenly creates political power vacuum. The leader on top tend to fear
grooming their successors thinking they will be leaders for life (life presidency). In
situations where such a president dies accidentally, the country is bound to experience
political chaos just even within its party members and other parties aside. For instance
when former president of Congo Zaire became sick, Mubuto Sseseseko the country
experienced civil strife. In the same away Yoweri kaguta Museveni as put n dilemma of
who will succed him at his retirement or sudden death.
 The tendency of promoting single party system is bad because it is the main promoter of
coup detat in Africa in the past and even today. For instance the 1971 coup in Uganda,
1966 coup in Ghana, 1969 coup Libya plus the recent coups in Africa like in Zimbabwe in
2017 against Robert Mugabe and in Tunisia and Egypt coups have just taken place. All
these are attributed to single party leadership which ends up grooming dictators.
 The single system is highly disecreted for promoting dictators. Such leaders don’t want
to leave power amicably but want to sta until death wishing to be worshipped likes semi-

42
`

gods on earth. They do not welcome any advise and on several arrest and torture and
jail without trial their political opponents. For instance Daniel Arap Moi eliminated Dr.
Ouko a very popular man in western Kenya, Kenyatta also eliminated Tom Mboya who
was almost popular than him. Kamuzu Banda of Malawi warned anyone opposing single
partism that he would become “meat” of the crocodiles”.
 One party system is disadvantageous because it neglects the importance of democracy
since people aren’t allowed to their freedom of press, freedom to criticize the government
as the case is in multi party governance. In Uganda for example between 1986 – 1999 it
was illegal to hold a party assembly without permission granted by police.
 It is asserted that most of the politically displaced people commonly known as refugees
are a result of dictatorial regimes where civil wars take place due to absence of a multi-
party political voice. In Congo, Joseph Kabila has turned out to be a dictator through his
party and this has caused many people being displaced as refugees.
 The system promotes underdevelopment. The government in power tends to stick to their
manifesto even if it lacks ideas developmental. This usually happens because the
president thinks he is a Hero and God sent to rule others for instance the parliament
opposed the selling of UCB but the government insisted which led to loss of 62 billion
shillings. Many Ugandans have kept on criticizing the NRMO government for selling other
resourceful businesses or land moreover to foreigners for example Shimon demonstration
school land and some parts of Mabira forest land sold to Lugazi factory a foreign own
factory.
 It is a very expensive system. The government spends a lot of money to pay spies of the
president in order to reduce opposition and consolidate himself in power. In Uganda such
spies are the ISO, DISO, ESO, CID and RDS.
 Its advocated that a one party political system leads to no party at all meaning denial of
people’s rights. In many cases even elections are abolished, the political opponents
suppressed and the press censored. This was well noted during Sekou Toure of Guinea’s
regime who eliminated all political oppositions leading to no party.
 The single party system is discredited because it fails to recognize the pluralistic nature
of Africans. It forces people from different tribes and religions to have a similar
understanding of things yet this is impossible. Different people from different tribes have
different interests and understanding of things for which they should be left to think their
own way.

43
`

 On the other way round, it promotes neo-colonialism. The system is believed to have
originated from the socialist block during the cold war politics. For instance Tanzania was
inclined to China, Angola and Ghana inclined to USSR and these were African states
practicing single partism. Thus meaning neo-colonialism was being perpetuated in Africa.
 Many African leaders have used it to as a strategy to destroy opposition and then
consolidate themselves into power. For instance the dominancy of NRMO members of
parliament made them pass an affair constitutional amendment age limit which was
mainly targeting opening up doors for president Y.K.Museveni who was reaching 75
years. Before the constitution limited a president to exceed 75 years ruling but now it was
made open even to nay other one to come.

MULTI PARTISM
This is a form of political organization where several parties are allowed to operate within a
country. In Africa the system had not taken much root due before 1990s due to the absence
of class divisions which was common in Europe.

ARGUMENTS FOR MULTI PARTY POLITICAL SYSTEM

Generally speaking multi partism is considered beneficial to the nation due to the following
reasons;
 The system helps to check on nepotism and cronyism in public offices because the
leaders have the public to account to. Therefore the leaders always try their level best to
do what the masses desire to see and hear.
 Multi partism promotes democracy. Usually under this system, people have freedom of
association, freedom of assembly, experience and generally people have rights to
participate freely in politics. However still in many African states the political system is
not balanced because the incumbent tend to influence a lot and cheat the elections.
 The system allows open criticism. The political opponents (other parties) tend to act as
watch dogs checking on the management of state affairs especially concerning financial
expenditure. This is why in the parliament of Uganda the public accounts committee is full
of members of the opposition side who can easily check on public expenditure without
favour.
 In this form of governance, there is greater freedom of Franchise. People are free to
choose their own leaders as opposed to a monolistic (movement) government which may

44
`

deny people their voting rights. For instance in U.S.A a person contesting for presidency
is normally compelled to run for preliminaries at party level in every state before running
for open nation wide campaigns.
 This form of government tends to create a balanced regional development because
parties solicit for votes country wide. So the ruling government tries to establish food
roads, schools, hospitals and supply of other necessities like water and electricity equally.
 It is argued that multipartism provide job opportunities to more people including non party
members which avails them with some income to do other businesses. For instance at
the time of preparing and during the actual time of elections, there are many people
employed as display register officials and electoral commission officials paid by the
electoral commission.
 In this form of governance, there is freedom of association as people are not compelled
to follow a given line of thought. Political parties constitutionally in Uganda are allowed to
hold political parties rallies without fear just like what happens prior to congressional
elections prior to the United States.
 The government in power tends o serve the society to its expectation so as to secure re-
election. In this case the leader avoids engaging into corruption or mismanagement of
public offices because under multi partism there is giving accountability.
 Multi party system is advocated for because it eliminates rampant coups. As there are
periodical change of elections democratically it tends to keep people humble or assured
of change of leadership at the time of the term of office expires. This greatly reduces
coups that commonly happen in movement system where sometimes leaders do not want
to leave power peacefully.
 Dictatorship is highly eliminated in multi party system. This is possible since people are
given chance to vote on who should rule them. The periodic elections are a mechanism
that bar those who are dictators from coming back to power. So even those in power tend
to work hard so as to be re-elected for the same or better post in the new term of office.
 The system is advocated for by many Africans because it satisfies the pluralistic nature
of African societies. Generally Africans desire to be ruled in a pluralistic political system
which caters for the interests of everybody along tribal and religious lines. The policy of
divide and rule employed by many colonialists had caused divisionism among Africans
making it hard for them to join hand and fight colonialists. So many times Africans were
defeated.

45
`

 Multi party system ably organizes elections to presidency or Member of Parliament every
after 5 years. This ensures peaceful transfer of power.
 The system . That is to say, internally recognized the minimum standards of democracy
are always built along the paradigm (framework) of multi partism and organized election
process. In such a situation, various candidates from different political parties come up
to contest for a given post like presidency.
 Under the multi party system chances of economic development in the country are high.
As there is likely to be relative peace, then the prevailing conditions can favour
investments and even outside investors can be attracted to carryout various business in
the country.
 The spirit of patriotism (nationalism) tends to be felt mostly in a multi party political system.
People are generally to become political leaders and engaging in politics so as to
determine the political destiny of their country so the sense of voter apathy common in a
single party system is killed.
 The common people (public) at large benefits a lot from a multi party system compared
to a single party dispensation. During campaigns competitors for various posts like
municipal out a lot of money to the masses to convince them to be voted for a given post.
In this way people benefit from such money to meet their needs like buying sugar, paraffin
and salt at home.

WEAKNESSES OF MULTI PARTISM

Despite the various merits observed from a pluralistic political system, it is observed the
system was imported and so was very destructive to African societies. Therefore the
following points tend to unearth its unrealistic features;
 The system highly promotes neo-colonialism. Most of the political parties existing in
various parts of Africa were and are still funded by foreign countries (European states).
Consequently the donor countries are bound to influence the political decisions of such a
country through the leaders of the party supported.
 There is a lot of time wasted in politicking and many politicians give up their jobs in favour
of a career in politics. For example Dr. Kiiza Besigye former president of FDC has devoted
his entire life struggling to become president of Uganda which he has hither to failed to
secure and may never become.

46
`

 The system is very costly in monetary terms. Many African states are poor yet the system
requires organizing free and fair elections periodically. Even more money is needed to
maintain the big team of parliamentarians who come from different political parties. This
on many occasions forces the government to resort to foreign borrowing that brings about
neo-colonialism.
 Multi partism is argued against by some politicians because it promotes vote rigging
especially by the incumbent party. For example in 1980 DP won elections but Paul
Muwanga announced later that DP lost to UPC that was in power and even he prohibited
anyone discussing about election results. Similarly recently the ruling NRMO party has
been reported several times in courts for vote rigging in both parliamentary and
presidential elections like 2011 and 2016 presidential elections Colonel Dr. Kiiza Besigye
proved to courts of law how president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had rigged elections in
conjunction with the electoral commission by then headed by Hajji Badiru Kiggundu. But
unfortunately Besigye’s case was dismissed.
 There is a lot of chaos associated with political party pluralism which some times results
in social mayhem. For instance during the 1980 elections in Uganda, there were lots of
irregularities and many supporters of UPC would go to DP rallies to disrupt them and vice
versa. Even recently in the 2016 presidential elections, some members of NRMO
disrupted rallies of FDC presidential candidate Dr. Kiiza besigye and even disrupted rallies
of Amama John Patrick Mbabazi.
 Some politicians dislike multi partism because politicians often insult each other and spill
each other’s secrets in public. For instance Tamale Mirundi, Betty Nambooze and
Ofwono Opondo are often invited on TV or radio programme but tend to speak foul against
each other’s party.
 At times there is a lot of manipulation of the electoral process. Some incumbent organize
biased information that would deny one from competing with him/her. They may do this
by raising initial funds required. For example in Uganda the presidential funds required
was raised from 8m – 20 millions in the 2016 presidential elections.
 In this system of governance changing people at the top of the party is difficult and in most
cases, you do not agree with them, you are free to quit. For example other political parties
have not had a change of leadership and continue to be governed by NRMO.
 Under multi partism a person in the party is not at liberty to disagree with the official party
stand. If he does, he may be dismissed. This is why all NRMO members who voted No

47
`

on 20th 12 2017 to remove the presidential age limit were called in the party disciplinary
committee on 16/01/2018 to explain why they voted against the party stand majority which
was YES supporting the amendment of the bill.
 There is a lot of sectarianism and divisionism in this form of governance usually basing
on ethnicity, region and religion. For instance DP is predominantly for Catholics, UPC for
Anglican such division is uncalled for.
 The system promotes political prostitution. Some candidates tend to cross to the
winning/ruling party so as to benefit selfishly. This is because many Africans look at
politics as a job that can earn on quick money. During the recent years of NRMO
leadership, DP has lost many of its good leaders to either NRMO or FDC. Recently in
2016 the minister for youth in Uganda now madam Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi crossed
from Democratic Party to NRMO government.
 The system of continuo’s and periodic elections does not give enough time for the
government in power to fulfill its agenda (manifesto) for development. If the incumbent
government looses elections, the incoming regime may abandon such projects though
could be good and the new party in power takes on a new agenda.
 The involvement of the army in politics which is common in multi partism causes many up
evils. For instance in Uganda president Obote used the army to fight Kabaka in the
famous Mengo crisis of 1966 that led to rise of Amin in 1971. Even today the NRMO
government uses the army to suppress the opposition campaigns. Recently soldiers were
found misusing the parliamentary chapel where they staged wrongly as they guarded the
NRMO parliamentarians debating on the lifting of the presidential age limit.
 Multi partism is too discriminative. The ruling part in most cases tend to give jobs to its
members. Even developments are extended mostly to constituencies where the
government is highly supported. Hence leading to regional imbalances and neglect of
talented people in leadership.
 At times when the political space is opened too many political parties are formed with
makes the entire process lose flavor/ meaning. This may give the party already in power
to consolidate themselves in leadership.
 There are a lot of unnecessary bureaucracies and huddles to cross in this form of
governance and the ideas of individual merit doesn’t really seem to matter. For instance
in FDC there misunderstanding over who to stand or the presidential elections. Is it Kiiza
Besigye the retired president or the current president Patrick Amuriat.

48
`

PREJUDICE AND SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION

Out of the major forms/cases of prejudice and social discrimination common in society today;
Prejudice comes from the word “pre-judgment” where one judges and makes conclusions
about another before dealing with him or her yet social discrimination refers to the tendency
of judging and treating people differently especially basing on their beliefs or personal traits.

FORMS OF SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION

1. Racial discrimination. This involves treating people differently basing on the colour of
their skin. For example in South Africa during the apartheid regime the blacks were
treated like slaves and servants.
2. Religious discrimination. In this case people look at each other on religious grounds. One
may be a Christian and is discriminated by moslems like in arrangement seAfrican
traditional society if he happens to go to their functions like DUWA prayers.
3. Cultural discriminations. Some people ill treat or under treat others because they do not
practice and believe in their cultural behavior. For instance among the Bagisu in western
Uganda people who stay within their society who are above 18 years but not circumcised
are segregate. Sometimes even not Bagisu by birth may be forcefully circumcised.
4. Minority discrimination. This form of discrimination may happen depending on numbers.
Those whose numbers especially on tribal bases tends to be higher may segregate the
lower numbers. This was historically noted in Rwanda and Burundi where the Hutu
discriminated the Tutsi resulting into a war in 1990 – 1994.
5. Tribal discrimination. People here tend to segregate members of other tribes or segregate
people of a given tribe. In Uganda the Baganda historically were at longer heads with
Banyoro since Buganda had captured Bunyoro areas of Buyaga and Bugangayizi but now
they are in good terms. However signs of tribal discriminations are still noted between
Baganda who keep belittling the thinking of some Basoga.
6. Nationality discrimination. There are some nations which consider themselves to be
superior and so keep undermining other states. For instance getting a visa for a Ugandan

49
`

to go and work in German or USA is not easy because they underlook the capability of
blacks.
7. Sexual discrimination. The maleness or femaleness of a person may cause a
discrimination to him/ her. Women in this case are treated as a weak sex and timild. So
some employers do not appoint them on top posts. Such when they get married they are
forced to drop part of their names which men do not do, and then adopt the husband’s
names for example Mrs. Kintu.
8. Physical discrimination. The physical appearance in terms of height and may be colour
and skin nature determines how some body may be treated. In many cases women who
are obese and very other so short nature people like pygmies are treated by many people
by pity and discriminated.
9. Disability discrimination. In many cases people are treated differently depending on
whether or not one is disabled like the lame, and insane. In many essential places in
Uganda like hospitals, banks and schools the buildings do not cater for the lame indicating
discrimination.
10. Caste discrimination. In some communities people are categorized in classes depending
on heredity and birth. Members of different castes are treated differently. For instance
Uganda/ Buganda kingdom, the royal family members are treated special yet the other
common people whether rich or poor, old or young always bow down to the royal family
members on special functions.
11. Age discrimination. This is a very common form of discrimination in which young people
are treated and underlooked by the seniors in age. For instance the constitution of
Uganda bars anyone below 18 years of age to engage in sex or be married. So anyone
caught doing so may be convicted of practicing fornication or involved in rape, defilement
or adultery.
12. Political discrimination. Those in power tend to reward in terms of offices to only those
who side with them and whose values are identical to theirs. So the opposition is usually
discriminated against. For instance all minister and resident district commissioners in the
current national resistance movement organization (NRMO) government are taken to be
party supporters.
13. Professional discrimination. On several occasions people are treated differently
depending on their careers. Generally in Uganda though graduates used to be respected
every where, graduate teachers receive much discrimination among other graduate
because they tend to receive poor salaries compared to others.

50
`

14. Economic discrimination. In this form, people are treated with a lot of respect and love or
are discriminated depending on their financial status. People like Wavamuno, John
Ssebana Kizito, Ssebalamu are highly respected because they have proved to be
bourgeoisie.

CAUSES OF PREJUDICE AND SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION IN SOCIETY

 The influence of the past experience some times may lead to prejudice and discrimination.
Some people at maturity or when in power may turn out to torture one’s brother or sister.
This sign of prejudice or social discrimination may e well exhibited when one comes for
an interview in a place where now the interviewer was once tortured by the relative of the
one coming for the interview.
 Prejudice may happen due to misfortunate and ignorance of the law or one’s rights. Some
one may be hired to talk ill towards others. Some people are discriminated basing on the
prior information given to them by the elders or just close friend. For example many
people take the Bakiga as belligerent but some may be humble many calls the Batooro
are very lazy people but there are many who are hardworking. Other people practice
prejudice because he/she was told that all Baganda are crafty yet there could be some
who are honest.
 The education levels are also a big basis for prejudice or social discrimination. The highly
educated people with levels like Bachelors and masters or doctorate tend to develop
discrimination habits by alienating themselves from the illiterates. For instance the
lawyers/judges call themselves ‘the learned friends”.
 Colonialism tendencies in Africa have continued to manifest signs of social discrimination.
The colonial masters instigated serious hatred between many African societies. For
example the British created a big misunderstanding between the Baganda and Banyoro,
the Masai and Nandi in Kenya and the Fante and Asante in W.A.
 Pride is another big cause of social discrimination or prejudice common in society. Some
people feel highly about themselves and do not give respect (damn) about others. This
mainly happens because one feels economically strong and physically or militarily strong.
This has been exemplified by the current president of USA Trump. D. who dislikes blacks
especially Africans in USA whom he keeps putting up measures to push them out.
 Signs of prejudice and social discrimination are exposed to some people because some
people are segregative in nature due to lack of awareness. They depend on small issues

51
`

and thus permit them to develop biases towards each other. For instance some Sebei
and Kikuyu still believe in women circumcision ignorantly not knowing the negative
repercussions of such a practice.
 Selfishness is common in political discrimination. Many political heads of state are not
generally willing to share the national cake with the opposition parties. For example a
former diehard of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Eria Kategaya was thrown out of
the cabinet in the 2003 reshuffle. Similarly the former prime minister of Uganda John
Patrick Amama Mbabazi was reshuffled when he claimed to stand for presidency in 2016
and so was.
 Some people do not have apathy (concern) for others and so look at issues from very
narrow perspective which indicates signs of discrimination.
 Discrimination at times comes from lack signs of tolerance towards other people’s values
that they hold with high esteem. For instance many Banyankole do not like or support the
idea of land registration by Buganda land board and Federo governments advocated for
by the Baganda because they think they will loose their land or their stay in Buganda
region which may not be true..
 Social discrimination at times emanates from conservativeness and unwillingness to
accept change as a fact of life. For instance he NRMO government has continued to
show signs of prejudice or discrimination towards the ideas of the opposition members
because NRMO is conservative and never thinks of any one time leaving power of
presidency.
 Signs of irreligiousness have increased tendencies of segregations in society. We have
got many splinter groups in the Christian faith stating up as born again churches. But still
members of these different churches do not have good relations as Christians and thus
irreligiousness causing more discrimination in society.
 Groupings also cause discriminations in society. When teenagers are encouraged to form
different groups according age brackets or sex. Sex discrimination cannot be avoided.
Each group feels superior to the other and is prejudiced against them.
SOLUTIONS TO SOCIAL DISCRIMINATION
What does the bible/church/Christianity teach about discrimination?
 The bible teaches that all mankind was created in the image of God and likeness and so
we are all equal before him. This is reflected in Gen 1:26. This is a call all people to treat
each other basing on one’s wealth.

52
`

 The church leaders have preached against the issue of discrimination by showing that
church should be universal. Jesus’ gospel was for both Jews and gentiles rich or poor
and they call upon believers to be united in faith not minding much about their tribes.
 The church has tried to solve the problem of social discrimination by encouraging joint
prayers. Today we even find Catholics, Anglicans and born against praying together for
peace in the nation. The church has continued to pray for the discriminated people to
have strength to carry on with life. They try to reflect their minds to people in the bible like
prophet Elijah who was persecuted by king Ahab and his wife Jezebel but endured the
suffering (1 Kings 18:20) and became victorious.
 Various church leaders have assisted the discriminated people in society by opening up
doors/ avenues to reach out to the leaders for guidance and counseling. This has helped
many socially discriminated people to receive a peace of mind.
 The bible has taught the discriminated people to continue extending limitless love even to
those who oppress them. This indicates following Jesus’ teaching and example because
he taught the followers to even love their enemies as they loved themselves. The bible
also extends Jesus’ love through dying on the cross for the sins of all mankind the Jews
and gentiles.
 The church has helped the discriminated through setting up schools and sometimes
offering financial assistance for the discriminated to study. For example the church runs
management of Mandela school of the blind initiated by the Soroti catholic diocese. This
uplifts the way of life for the discriminated blind people in society.
 The Christians preach against discrimination by highlighting its disastrous effects and in
this people are made aware of the problems associated with discriminations of one
another. Such acts like mob justice have been abused because some times the lead to
innocent killings.
 The church has continued to develop the spirit of good Samaritanism. Believers are using
the example of the bible story in John 4:1-23, Luke 10:25-37 to teach that discrimination
is wrong.
 The church leaders and Christian leaders are jointly struggling to demand the parliament
of Uganda to pass laws that do not discriminate people irrespective of colour height or
gender. In this way the traditional way of discriminating Albinos is now dying out and now
people have started associating with them freely as fellow human beings.

53
`

 In order to fight discrimination tendencies, the church leaders have encouraged believers
who have the qualifications required to join politics. So this has helped a lot to fight against
dictatorship and segregative laws like one on marriage which is unreligious opposing the
teachings in mark 10:1-12.
 The church has also helped to fight against social discrimination by teaching about good
health measures. It has done this through treating the discriminated like women injured
by their husbands at home or ……….such hospitals set by the church helping the
discriminated are Namirembe hospital, Rubaga Hospital, Kisubi hospital and kitovu
hospital which specifically treAfrican traditional society women fistula infection.
 According to the gospel of Luke 14;12, Jesus shows that we should invite the poor to the
parties that we make. So this has been picked by many believers who invites or organize
parties or take items like sugar, soap and clothes to those discriminated in society like the
children at Ssanyu Babies home in Namirembe.
 Christians have continued to preach the gospel that through Abraham’s call, all nations
were blessed. This they teach to all people to sop tendencies of racism.

LAW AND ORDER

CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON RESPECT AND OBEDIENCE OF THE STATE LAWS
 It is the moral right and duty of all citizens to obey the state laws and authority.
 Christians should respect the laws of the country because it’s God’s will that laws and
authority are in existence.
 God gave Moses the ten (10) commandments to guide the people in their way of living
and it’s from these laws that all our laws have a foundation hence the need to respect
them.
 Since the laws are for the good of mankind and it promotes love in society, it should
therefore be obeyed and respected.
 If the laws confirm to Christian ethics. For example they seek, preserve the dignity of
human life then Christian who are created in image of God also have a right to obey
it.

54
`

 Christians ought to obey the laws of the country if it is in position to establish good
relationship between authorities and citizens.
 As long as the laws are in conformity with God’s will, then Christians have no option
but to obey.
 If the laws make it possible for the citizens to live in harmony and peace then they
should be obeyed.
 Laws that try to protect the human rights of individuals must be respected and obeyed
by Christians.
 Provided the state laws do not contradict with the divine laws and Christian principles.
For example legalizing of prostitution, abortion and others then Christians have the
moral right to obey it.
 In a pluralistic/ heterogeneous society for the laws to be obeyed, it must cater for the
differences among the citizens. For example religious differences, cultural differences
and many others
 Since our savior Jesus followed and supported the laws of his time. For example he
is quoted to have said; “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and God what
belongs to God” . Thus, we as his followers have the right to obey the laws.
 Since the authority makes laws and authority is God given, it’s therefore proper for
Christians to obey the state authorities and laws.
 Christians should obey laws that promote reconciliation and unity among Christians.
For example the law of Amnesty given to the rebels.
 Disobeying of moral laws by a Christian is equivalent to disobeying God himself and
as such is punishable.

CONDITIONS WHEN A CHRISTIAN SHOULD NOT OBEY/OPPOSE THE LAWS

OF THE STATE
 Laws which violate the citizen’s right may not be obeyed. For example laws which
encourage capital punishment.
 Laws which tend to promote discrimination shouldn’t be obeyed by Christians. For
example in Nigeria, the Christians opposed the position of the Sharia law because it
wasn’t favoring them.
 Laws that seem to promote any form of immorality should not be obeyed. For example
legalization of prostitution and abortion.

55
`

 If the earthly laws conflict/ contradict with the divine/ heavenly laws. For example in
case the state passes a bill to kill all foreigners then such a law contradicts with the
sacredness of life and shouldn’t be obeyed.
 Laws that conflict with the individual conscience shouldn’t be obeyed. For example
laws that may foster irreligion/ paganism atheism.
 Christians shouldn’t allow laws which facilitate exploitation, in any way and that is why
prophet Amos strongly condemned the exploitation of the poor by the rich.
 Laws that encourage civil wars, internal conflicts ought to be condemned or opposed.
For example racism and apartheid was opposed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu of
South Africa and Janan Luwum of Uganda opposed the dictatorship of Idi Amin.
 Laws that disregard the underprivileged. That is to say, lame, children, orphans,
strangers shouldn’t be obeyed. For example in the bible Jesus welcomed all the
children, Jesus also associated with all outcasts.
 The above should be sorted by a non-violent manner. That is to say, it should be
through a peaceful and positive attitude. That is to say, demonstrations, appealing to
international bodies like OAU, UN, Amnesty International and council of churches.
Note: It is acceptable to use “if clause” or hypothetical phrases when answering the
above. For example if, when, in case and others

CHRISTIANS TEACHING ABOUT THE LAW

 Christians strongly believe that the law is responsible for equality in the society and
that it goes beyond the boundaries of race, sex and making everybody a sister and a
brother.
 Christians ought to be submissive just as St. Peter teaches most especially to the state
laws because they are God ordained. (1 Peter 2:13)
 The law is necessary because God gave it to the Jews on Mt. Sinai (Ex 20:1-17) where
he revealed his will and the Decalogue is the springboard of al the rest of human laws.
 Jesus recognized the laws of his time. That is to say, he once said; ‘’give Caesar
what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God’’ (Mk 12:17) .Thus
Christians are called to respect both the state laws and the religious laws.
 Jesus commended us to follow the greatest of all laws, love and to realize the purpose
of the law is to bring love to the society therefore we should follow these to enhance
this love and harmony.

56
`

 Jesus stated that he didn’t come to do away with the law but to perfect it, meaning that
the law is therefore good for man and to guide his conduct in society.
 Jesus acknowledged and accepted the worldly authority of Pilate but was quick to tell
him that his father in heaven is the giver of authority, John 19:11. For example he
submitted to Pilate.
 No state therefore exists without God’s will and wish therefore even Christians should
corporate with the state. (Rom 13:7)
 Christians have a dual a dual citizenship. That is to say, they are citizens of the world
and at the same time citizens of heaven hence they need to be loyal to both.
 Since all authority is divine given, Christians have the right to obey and those in
leadership have the right to make the will of God known.
Sample questions
1. “When laws are unjust we have not only the right but the duty to oppose it”.
Discuss.
2. Examine the advice you would give to the oppressed so as to overcome state of
oppression.

SUGGESTIONS TO CURB CRIMES

There is need for a joint effort that should involve all people as follows;
 The government should try to create a balanced rural development to reduce on rural
urban migration.
 It should set up industries and factories to absorb the unemployment labour.
 The government should fully equip the security organs in the country. That is to say,
with patrol vans, radio calls communication systems. For example in Makerere
University where security was beefed up.
 The government should set up heavy penalties on criminals. That is to say,
imprisonment and many others
 Asking people to assist the people in investigations, ring 999 or 112 on mobiles should
use the community to educate on community policing. That is to say, crime awareness.
 The mass media should be used to educate the population on how to keep law and
order in the society. For example the UTV advert on terrorism, which says “be aware
of terrorist and report any suspicious case”.

57
`

 The church should strongly condemn criminal acts like abortion, prostitution and
murder and if possible it should punish by ex-communication as recommended by St.
Paul.
 Criminals should be counseled and guided so as to reform just as Jesus counseled
the sinners, tax collectors. For example he advised the adulterous woman to go but
not to sin again.
 Christians should follow and apply the law of love and that of the Decalogue. That is
to say, love your neighbor as you love yourself.
 They should pray for the criminals to change into better person just as St. Paul
changed from murderer to religious person.
 Christians should apply self-control in order to overcome all their evil ways.
OPPONENTS OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENTS
The opponents forward the following reasons for their case;
 Capital punishment is irreversible and final hence rigid extreme in nature.
 Capital punishment is in itself a sin for no human being has a right to take one’s life.
 Capital punishment is extremely unfair and regrettable in case the actual person is
hurt.
 In Ex 13, Mt 5:12-22, God forbids the taking of another man’s life hence capital
punishments contradict with the Decalogue.
 Man is created in God’s image and that image should be reserved and preserved.
 Killing of a criminal would be an abuse and a violation of one of the major rights of a
human being. That is to say, the right to life.
 They also argue that capital punishment is not Christian at all because it violates the
Christian principles of love, kindness, reconciliation as well as faith and hope.
 They also argue that it promotes or deals with the symptoms instead of the disease.
That is to say, they argue that the government should ensure that the environment is
free from creating criminals and thus it is possible by ensuring peace and justice,
stability and education and the masses.
 Other opponents argue that there are better alternatives of meting out punishments
other than capital punishment. For example imprisonment, paying of fines and many
others
 Capital punishment in form of public execution and firing squad may have a negative
effect on the public particularly the young who may become traumatized and develop
no respect for life at all.

58
`

 The sole purpose of punishment is reformative other than destructive therefore one
who kills the criminal does not in any way help him to reform.

CHRISTIAN POSITION ON THE USE OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

To a Christian, capital punishment is contrary to the Christian ethics and principles
as seen below;
 Killing of a person is sin before God and before humanity Exodus: 20 . That is to say,
thou shall not kill.
 God is the only one with a right to punish by death.
 Christianity demands for forgiveness to those who offend us . That is to say, refer to
the Lord’s Prayer.
 Capital punishment contradicts with the Christian principle of love of one’s neighbor.
 It gives no chance and room for reform.
 Capital punishment bears no moral lesson on the offender.
 It is a violation we need to preserve the image of God other than destroying it.
 Capital punishment is very degrading and humiliating.
 Some criminals are not responsible in that some may have been mad or insane.
 Two wrongs do not make a right.
 The Christians believe that capital punishment does not deter crime in the society.
That is to say, similar crimes are still in place.
 Christianity calls for repentance. That is to say, David after committing adultery and
murder, he repented and was forgiven.
 Capital punishment breeds revenge that is against the Christian teaching.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
This is the act of inflicting pain on the offender/ student through the use of the Cain. It
has met mixed reactions from the public to the extent that the government had put a
ban on it. However its proponents still insist that it has the same effect/
result as the rest of the other punishments. But the opponents strongly object to
corporal punishment basing on the following grounds;
 That its very brutal and undermines human dignity.
 If carried out carelessly, it can insight hostility, rebellion and strikes in schools and
prisons.

59
`

 They assert that the purpose of punishment is to reform and not merely to inflict pain
for the sake of it.
 Sometimes innocent people, students suffer at the mercy of teachers.
 They say they are more appropriate and better methods of administering punishment
than corporal punishments. That is to say, slashing, digging and many others
 Some children are sick and weak and once subjected to corporal punishment stand a
risk of collapsing.
 Corporal punishment may instill fear among the students who will eventually hate and
not understand what is being taught thereby hindering the transmissions of knowledge.
 Teachers assume the responsibility of parent hence they ought to teat students with
love and grace.
 Corporal punishment may not deter the anti-social and poor performance of students.
 Some teachers unjustly use corporal punishment to handle their individual differences.
 In many cases the offense committed is not as the punishment given out. That is to
say, there is no proper measuring yardstick.
 It violates the human rights of the concerned individual.
 The practice is against the professional ethics much as it has been made to appear
part of the profession.
SHORTCOMINGS OF ABOLISHING CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
 It may encourage children to rebel against the school authority or to disrespect the
teachers.
 It undermines the position of a classroom.
 It may lead to a high level of indiscipline and producing wild students or people.
 It may make the administration of discipline very difficult.
 It may force the school to resort to a worse means of punishment. That is to say,
expulsion, long suspensions and many others
 It is against the Christian principles and teachings. That is to say, St. Paul and Peter
agree that it’s a duty of a Christian to punish the disobedient.
 If abolished completely, it may encourage immorality and permissiveness in society.
 If completely abolished, it may encourage crimes in society.
 It undermines the parental love to the children in that it involves sparing the rod and
spoiling the child.
 When corporal punishment is not administered then it denies the wrong doers a
chance to reform in that they may take the act lightly.

60
`

IMPRISONMENT
This is the act of putting a criminal into confinement with the intention of withdrawing
him from the society. This can take a form of a short period or a relatively long
time. Imprisonment has some serious effects, which are both positive and negative.
Among the positive significances are the following;
 It’s meant to deny the criminal freedom and some of his rights. For example contacts
with his family, friends and many others
 It acts as retribution. That is to say, it inflicts some harm on the criminal as just done
on the offended.
 It also protects the society from anti-social behavior and the effects of hardcore
criminals.
 The act of imprisonment creates peace, harmony an calmness in the society by
withdrawing the trouble cause.
 It also helps to reform the criminal. This is achieved by putting the offender under
strict discipline and heavy labour.
 Imprisonment inculcates a sense of responsibility into the criminal.
 Imprisonment also protects the criminal from mob justice by quickly withdrawing him
into confinement/ custody.
 It also deters the potential criminals from committing similar crimes.
 It gives power, authority to the government so as to implement justice effectively. For
example Ekemu the former Attorney General who was imprisoned for embezzling the
settlement funds meant for Teso.
 While in prison, the prisoners are expected and subjected to heavy manual labour.
That is to say, gardening or digging, looking after animals, carpentry to generate
incomes for the prison’s department thereby reducing on expenses by the state and
making the criminals self-reliant.
 Imprisonment protects the human rights of the criminal and maintains law and order
in the society. For example Richard Arinaitwe who was detained to ensure law and
order.
Negative significances of imprisonment
 While in prison, the criminal may instead develop and acquire new tricks of being a
dangerous criminal. For example Arinaitwe trained the other inmates on “kungufu”
while serving a prison sentence in Luzira.

61
`

 Some criminals are usually exposed to a variety of other possible immoralities. For
example homosexually and lesbianism, which may corrupt their minds.
 Some criminals after a long time of imprisonment take themselves as heroes. That is
to say, they become hardcore criminals.
 The criminal may become more resistant and rebellious after the sentence is over.
 The criminal while under torture may easily think of revenge after the sentence, an
attitude which is unchristian.
 The criminal may easily despair and as a result of frustration commit suicide.
 The prisoner may fail to adjust to normal social life after the sentence due to frustration,
retardedness and the effects of a trauma.
 A criminal may have his other own family brought to shambles in the course of
imprisonment. That is to say, divorce, lose of family ties and many others
 From the religious point of view, imprisonment undermines the virtues of forgiveness,
love and mercy.
CHRISTIANITY AND USE OF IMPRISONMENT
Christianity to a large extent does not recommend the use of imprisonment because
of the following reasons;
 Imprisonment usually hurts the criminal yet Christianity does not approve on such acts.
 It also breeds the attitude of revenge contrary to the teachings of Jesus.
 Imprisonment undermines the principle of forgiveness and executioners. For example
Pope Paul forgave Abdullah who shot at him.
 Christians object to imprisonment because of the dogmatic judgment for its only God
who has the right to judge.
 Jesus event went further to forgive the adulterous woman who was to be stoned to
death.
 Imprisonment most especially in African countries is severely done such that that it
does not help the criminal but it traumatizes the criminal, an attitude which is not
Christian.
 Imprisonment involves mistreatment of various forms. That is to say, overcrowded
cells, poor meals and great torture, practices that are short of the Christian principles.
 Prisoners are normally denied their spiritual needs hence affecting their morality and
relationship with God.

62
`

 There is no proper yardstick in effecting imprisonment. For example people who

commit similar crimes are sentenced differently thereby encouraging discrimination
and this is not Christian.
 Imprisonment at times denies the criminals the right to their families thereby causing
family instability, yet the bible calls for parental responsibility and permanence.
 Christians object to imprisonment because they argue that it has not made
considerable impact to the society, however one has been proved beyond reasonable
doubts. For example a killer then one can be imprisoned.
 The church advocates for genuine reform of the culprit while in prison.
 Christians believe that imprisonment is a lesser evil than capital punishment.
 Christians believe that prisoners should be treated with love, compassion and mercy;
refer to the parable of the prodigal son which is highly illustrative of the nature of love
and forgiveness.
 Christians advocate that the offended and the offenders and the entire society ought
to be educated on Christian ethics through counseling and guidance.
 St. Paul recommended ex-communication and not imprisonment.
MOB JUSTICE
This is a situation whereby a suspect is punished by a disorganized group of persons
in response to what one has committed. This punishment is given before the suspect
is proved guilty by the courts of law.
CAUSES OF MOB JUSTICE
 Ignorance of the law, which makes some people to assume the law in their own hands.
 Permissiveness. That is to say, where there is no respect for the law and everybody
does as he/she pleases.
 Uncontrolled anger by the mob on the victim.
 Corruption in the police force. That is to say, who release suspects on being “typed”.
 The need to revenge.
 The inadequate nature of the laws. That is to say, where adultery is fined 200/=
 Poverty, which leads to frustrations and idleness.
 Delayed action against suspects in courts of law encourages people to practice mob
justice.
 Increased gap between the police and the public, and some people take the police to
be an institution of spies only.
 Decline in religious values, which have forced people to loose respect in human life.

63
`

 Political instability leading to a general situation of lawlessness/ anarchy.

 Low implementation of government policies and laws. That is to say, the government
doesn’t approach victims of mob justice.
 Drug addiction and its adverse effects make some people to take the law into their
hands.

WHY MOB JUSTICE IS NOT A FORM OF JUSTICE

 It’s inhuman. That is to say, it undermines the human dignity by torturing the suspect
to death.
 Innocent people may easily get killed in the confusion.
 It is contrary to the Christian principle of forgiveness and reconciliation.
 It’s only God who has the power to judge and take life.
 It self defeAfrican traditional society the purpose of punishment which is a reformative.
 It is very brutal and backward and it undermines the purpose of justice.
 It was abolished by Jesus and replaced by the law of love. For example when he freed
the adulterous woman from the hungry hands of the mob.
 It undermines the court of laws. That is to say, chance is not given for fair hearing.
 It creates a situation for anarchy. That is to say, people take the laws in their hands.
 In case of death, life can’t be brought back.
 It undermines the work of the police force. That is to say, to maintain law and order.
 It breeds the attitude of revenge, a factor castigated by Jesus.
REASONS FOR MOB JUSTICE
Christian advice to criminals
 Christians should pray for the criminals to see the light of God.
 A criminal should pray for himself to see the wisdom of God. For example the thieves
who were crucified with Christ, one of who prayed to Jesus and was forgiven.
 They should repent and seek forgiveness. For example King David who committed
adultery sought forgiveness from God.
 Criminals should call upon the gifts of the Holy Spirit so as to overcome temptations.
 Religious leaders should pay visits to the criminals and give them hope. For example
the Church of Uganda donated a television set to Luzira prison; Caritas Uganda has
offered beddings to the prisoners during which they gave them counseling.
 Counseling and guidance should be given. For example Jesus counseled an
adulterous woman not to sin again.

64
`

 Christians themselves should live exemplary life style for they are the salt of the earth
and light of the world.
 Criminals should be encouraged to read and internalize the bible.
 They should work hard and get involved in active and progressive work because an
idle mind is the devil’s workshop.
 Some relative forms of punishments should be given to the criminals as recommended
by St. Peter and Paul. For example ex-communication.
 Criminals should abide by the laws and the commandments of God.
 Parents should bring up their children in a God fearing way. For example Hannah and
Samuel, David asked his son Solomon to have the fear of God.
 Tell the criminals that crime is a passport to hell.
 Ask them to seek heavenly treasures as advocated by St. James.
 They should accept Christ as their savior . For example St. Paul who accepted Christ
on his way to Damascus and converted (Saul)

THE STATE AND THE CITIZEN

The rights and duties of the citizens (fundamental)
Fundamental human rights of mankind are the entitlements that human beings are
supposed to enjoying virtue of being human.
The rights are based on the natural law that comes from God.
Note: For every right, there is a corresponding duty. Below are some of the rights;
 The right to life hence the need to preserve and protect life.
 The right to food, everybody must have something to eat and it is the duty of the state
to ensure that its citizens has food and that is why there is ministry for disaster
preparedness for the case of Uganda.
 A right to shelter, all citizens are entitled to proper accommodation and in developed
countries, it is the state that houses its citizens.
 The right to medical facilities. The state must clear for its citizens medically by offering
immunization programs/ stocking health centers and posting of medical personnel.
For example Uganda has immunized against polio.
 The right to education. The government should ensure that its citizens get basic
education. That is to say, UPE in case of Uganda.
 The right to be loved especially the children who are entitled to parental care and love.

65
`

 The right to employment/ work. The state must make sure that its citizens are
employed.
 The right to marry and promote a family provided they are a marriageable age.
 The right to acquire and own property. All citizens have a right to private ownership
of property.
 The right to association especially in matters of common interests. That is to say,
political parties, social and cultural groups and many others
 The rights to freedom of speech and information. That is to say, all citizens have a
right to air out their views and receive relevant information.
 Freedom of worship without any interference.
Note: But one shouldn’t interfere with other people’s rights in the name of worship
 Freedom of choice, it is upon every individual to choose from the many available
opportunities in life. For example what to do, what to eat and others but this should
be with the 1948 UN enactment as given in the universal declaration of human rights.
 The right to fair public trial in courts of law without discrimination.
 The right to protection from harmful influence.
Note: All the above rights should be observed by the state and it is in accordance with
the 1948 United Nations enactment as given in the universal declaration of human
rights.
DUTIES OF THE CITIZENS
Much as the state has the duty to uphold and protect the rights of its citizens in the
same light, the citizens have a duty to observe in a relation to the state
 To recognize and respect the authority of the state.
 To be loyal by offering support to the community.
 To vote and participate in all other civic activities.
 To pay taxes so as to contribute towards the development of the society.
 To defend one’s country at all times.
 To preserve and maintain law and order, thereby helping the police to curb crime.
 The duty to exercise justice to others in our day-to-day operation.
 Parents have the duty to look after, take care of the needs of their children. That is to
say, the need to provide parental love and care.
 To preserve and protect the environment by following the requirements of NEMA. For
example the former Member of the 9th Parliament John Ken Lukyamuzi advocated

66
`

much for environment protection. Like he decompaigned the government’s move to

give part of Mabira forest to an investor to grow sugar canes for making sugar.
 In all the citizens ought to be patriotic and nationalistic. That is to say, they need to
have great love for their mother country.
OBSERVANCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN UGANDA TODAY
To a greater extent, Uganda today has secured some achievements in the area of
human rights as follows;
 People have participated in the elections. For example in the presidential election of
2001, Constituency Assembly of 1995. Hence a step towards democracy.
 Free access to basic education through the Universal primary education. That is to
say, the government is working around the clock to make sure that the Universal
primary education is successful.
 There is freedom of speech and expression where people are able to freely air out
their views. For example through the open air and written press. That is to say, the
monitor, the new vision and the free radio stations with programs like spectrum on
radio one, capital gung, Andrew Mwenda live on monitor radio.
 Women have been accessibility to jobs thereby creating economic independence and
emancipation.
 The government is fighting corruption through bodies like IGG, PAC and some others
which help to probe into malpractices.
 Censoring of incompetent ministers suspected of wrong doing . For example Kutesa,
Muhwezi and Kazibwe.
 Freedom of worship, the state has no state religion and this is reflected in the many
sects in the country. For example Jehovah unit, redeemed church, restoration of the
Ten Commandments, charismatic renewals, salvation Pentecostal churches.
 The government had tried to reduce on the problem of poverty through poverty
alleviation schemes. For example entandikwa and soft loans.
 Government has allowed NGOs to operate to cater for the interest of the people. That
is to say, UWESO, TASO and UNICEF.
 Politically, the government has recognized the minority. That is to say, the women,
disabled, workers by giving them special representation in parliament. For example
MP Pajobo, Dr. Sam Lyomoka member of parliament for workers.
 The government has allowed the Asians to repossess their property.

67
`

 The government is catering for the health of its citizens by improving on the health
services through programs like immunization against the six killer diseases. For
example polio, “kick polio out of Uganda”.
 The government has sensitized its citizens regarding their political rights through
chaka mchaka and demystification of the gun.
However, there are some cases of abuse of human rights;
 The many detentions without trial by the CMI and prisoners tortured and remanded for
a long time . For example 27 Tabuliki Moslems without proper hearing.
 There is suffocation and denial of freedom of association as expressed by the ban on
political parties.
 There is still massive corruption in the public offices, courts of law at the expenses of
tax payer.
 There is still rampant crime rate. That is to say, robbery, rape and defilement and many
others
 Over taxation. That is to say, VAT, graduated tax all of which cannot be explained.
 Unemployment. That is to say, many graduates are roaming on streets in search of
jobs, which are not there.
 Low implementation of the government policies leading to acts like mob justice
especially in the districts of Mukono, Kampala where many have been put to death.
 Laxity in the education system. For example UPE lacks motivation and adequate
facilities.
 There are some isolated cases of conscription. That is to say, forced recruitment. For
example panda gari.
 Some areas have been neglected and subjected to insecurity hence no protection.
For example Gulu, Kasese, Soroti and many others
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VIOLATION OF HUMANS RIGHTS TODAY
 Permissiveness of the society where people have lost traditional ties.
 Greed for power leading to political instabilities. For example Kony abducted Aboke
girls, ADF burnt people at Kichwanma.
 Economic and social imbalances leading to hatred.
 Low religious conviction.
 Poverty
 Moral decline

68
`

 Lust for wealth

 Break down in the traditional norms.
 Weak enforcement of the law.
 Modern technology. For example bombs, chemical weapons and many others
 High rate of inflation

WAYS IN WHICH THE CHURCH IS TRYING TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF THE

PEOPLE
 The church has established orphanages where the unfortunate children have been
given the basic necessities of life. For example late Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga
opened up an orphanage center at Nalukolongo.
 The church has set up projects to help better and cater for the lives of the needy. For
example refugees and this is possible through projects like Caritas Uganda of the
Catholic Church.
 The church actively takes part in maintaining peace and order in the world through the
council of churches. For example prior to the elections of 2001, the church leaders
0religious leaders) of Uganda prayed for peace and order to prevail during the election.
 The church has also influenced the political decisions of the political leaders. For
example the Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa out rightly spoke against the
evils of apartheid and the racism of the whites.
 The church has openly criticized the political authorities who intend to violet the human
rights of citizens. For example the church in Zimbabwe condemned President
Mugabe’s act of moving land from the whites. The church in Uganda has opposed the
abolishing of 2 terms or “the 3rd term”.
 The church through its teachings and preaching has encouraged unity, fraternity and
peace thereby making occasions of war rare.
 The church leaders have tried to become peacemakers between warring parties. For
example they have tried to call for peace negotiation in Congo.
 The church has used its leaders to criticize dictatorship and bad government. For
example late Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga and Janan Luwum opposed Idi Amini’s
dictatorship.
 It has helped to provide assistance to the prisoners, sick in terms of material and
spiritual benefits.

69
`

 The church has often prayed for good leadership since all authority comes from God.
THE CHURCH AND THE STATE
 The church and the state closely need each other hence Christians have all the right
to participate in the politics of their country basing on the following reasons;
 Church leaders can be of use in the development of the society since they are guided
by the spirit of God . For example prophet Amos condemned the political injustices of
the time and Bishop Desmond Tutu influenced the political trend of south Africa.
 Since Christians are said to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth, they
must therefore shine in the darkness of politics. For example Christ said who among
you lights a lamp and puts it under a basket? But instead it should be put in the lamp
stand for everyone to see.
 Jesus himself didn’t reject the use of politics but the misuse of power while in politics.
 A Christian leader is in position to save his country from spiritual destruction and moral
decay by preaching the virtues of love, equality and tolerance. For example
Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa preached reconciliation amidst the horns
of apartheid and racism.
 It’s commonly said that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom therefore church
leaders who may be having this wisdom can be in a better position to put it into a better
use. For example king Solomon who because of the fear of God had the wisdom and
used it rightly in politics.
 Because of the dual citizenship of mankind. That is to say, of world and heaven, it’s
proper for a Christian to participate in the politics of the world as a preparation for
heavenly kingdom.
 Jesus himself came into the sinful world to clean up the sinners; similarly it’s proper
for Christians to participate in politics much as it is dirty.
 Christians have the capacity to overcome temptations which while in politics can be
possible because politics has so many temptations. For example corruption, vote
rigging and many others
 It’s the duty and responsibility of church leaders to fight social injustices just as Jesus
and prophet Amos did and this is only possible when Christians wholly participate in
politics. For example Amos.
 All authority comes from god hence even political authority is God given. So the need
to participate.

70
`

 God raises leaders and as such Christians should participate in politics by

acknowledging and respecting this authority.
 Christians have a duty to contribute towards the economic, social, political, cultural
and religious well being of the state and this can only be possible when Christians
participate in politics.
 Even Jesus said give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God,
thereby showing his involvement.
 The church can’t be separated from the state because even Jesus submitted to the
political authority. (Mk 12:13-17)
 St. Paul says disobeying of civil authority is equivalent to rebelling against God. (Rom
13:1-7)
 Christians need to participate in politics so as to be in position to pray for the political
leaders.
 Both religion and politics are set to uphold the fundamental rights of mankind and as
such the two need to operate jointly.
On the other hand, church leaders to a small extent should not take part in
politics because of the following reasons;
 Politics is at times associated with principles which are un Christian. For example
telling of lies, blackmailing, and rigging.
 Within politics, it’s quite difficult to avoid certain attitudes. That is to say, stiff
competition embezzlement and bribery aspects that is short of Christian virtues.
 Politics usually goes alongside with struggle for power, use of charms, witchcraft and
jealousy at times and murder of innocent people.
 Church leaders should/ may not out rightly begin to support oppressive regimes yet
they are supposed to be pillars of unity and not divisionism. For example Awori chose
Bamwoze to campaign for him in the 2001 elections; this divided some of the
Christians.
 It is very difficult to serve two masters at ago hence while in politics, a Christian may
forget his cardinal purpose and responsibility of being an ambassador of the kingdom
of God.
 Politics normally involves a lot of temptations that definitely contradicts with the
Christian virtues. That is to say, politicians normally accept the evils of prostitution,
abortion in a bid to solicit and win the elections. For example Vice President defended

71
`

prostitution after prostitutes had been arrested all in a bid to canvas for votes in 2001
elections.
 While in politics, the lust for wealth and money may easily blindfold the church leaders
and in the long run cause them to back slide of become stumbling blocks to other
people’s faith.
 Politics may force religious leaders to discriminate, hate, and sideline their opponents
thereby not living to Jesus’ teaching of love of one’s neighbor and oneself.
 Christian’s participation in politics may lead a Christian into a conflicting loyalty. For
example whether to support capital punishment or not.
 Christians may find it difficult to condemn and openly criticize some social evils in the
society. For example competition, tribalism and many others
 Politics has been generally referred to as a dirty game characterized by all sorts of
evil.
 While in politics, Christians may fail to offer sincere prayers to God and to pray for their
political opponents.
 Politics doesn’t condemn the attitude of revenge, an aspect that Jesus out-rightly
castigated.
Questions
1. Should the church and politics be separated?
2. Why do some people call politics a dirty game?
3. Should Christians directly participate in politics, explain your answer.

SHOULD CHRISTIANS OBEY SECULAR GOVERNMENT?

In such a case a student is expected to take a stand which is “Yes” and this is so
because of the following reasons;
 All authority comes from God hence disobedience to it is disobedience to God.
 Its God ho raises and guides the leaders. For example David, Solomon hence the
need to obey them.
 The bible commands us to honour and obey our leaders as given in Decalogue.
 In the first letter of St. Peter 2::17, St. Peter calls upon all the newly converted believers
to respect those in political authority.
 Secular government serves to ensure the well being of all their citizens in terms of
social, religious, cultural and political well being hence the need to obey it.

72
`

 Christians are supposed to be good examples to others and this is only possible
through the act of obedience.
 Its through their obedience that they will qualify to be good citizens of heaven.
 Christians have a duty to contribute to the economic, social, political, moral and
religious well being of a state. These above mentioned aspects are only practical
through obedience to the government.
 Even Jesus says give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and God what belongs to God
thus obey state authority.
 Even Jesus himself submitted to earthly authority. For example he recognized and
acknowledged the powers of Pilate but was quick to tell that God gives it.
 The two institutions. That is to say, the church and the state are inseparable hence
interrelated and need for the act of obedience to coordinate the two.
WHY CHRISTIANS MAY NOT OBEY SECULAR GOVERNMENT
 When the state promotes immoral acts like abortion, murder aspects which are un
Christian, then Christians have a right to disobey it.
 When the state is involved in abusing of power through acts of murder, corruption and
vote rigging then the Christian can oppose such a government.
 When there is iron rule. That is to say, oppression, dictatorship and when people’s
freedom of expression and association is down looked upon, then the Christians have
a right to disobey that secular government.
 In case the government in place doesn’t allow freedom of worship then Christians can
oppose it . For example in the Sudan where Southern part is opposing the Northern
imposition if Islam.
 Incase the actions of the government is leading people into paganism, irreligion, then
Christians have a right to disobey such a state.
 If the government in place is condoning the acts of discrimination, segregation,
tribalism, which are short of Christian rituals, the Christians have the obligation to
disobey such a state . For example Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa ganged
up to fight against the apartheid of the white man.
 In situations where the decisions of the government conflict/ contradict with the
Christian principles. That is to say, in case of a conflicting loyalty then Christians
should give their obedience first to God and the state.

73
`

POLITICS AS A DIRTY GAME

Question
Why is politics referred to as dirty?
 It involves telling of lies.
 There is misuse and abuse of authority while in politics. For example using of the
army to intimidate the masses. For example Kakooza Mutale with Kalangala action
plan.
 Within politics, there is corruption. For example Kutesa and Muhwezi who misused
public funds for which they were censored by the 5th parliament.
 It may easily lead to murder especially inn situations where there is stiff competition.
 Politics breeds hatred, enmity and envy.
 It may cause family disruption because of the difference in political ideologies. For
example Njuba and his wife, Winnie Mandela and her husband all divorced because
of divergent political ideologies.
 Politics encourage irreligion and paganism in that people develop no fear of god at all.
 It may lead to under development due to wrong political ideologies. For example
communism in Tanzania under president Julius Nyerere, Cuban under communism
and many others
 Politics breeds insecurity. For example Kony in Northern Uganda has fought for over
15 years against NRM government.
 Politics is associated with acts of dictatorship, oppression. For example the regime of
Idi Amin 1971-79 which so many people suffer unabated.
 Politics leads to death and assassination of leaders for example Kabira Joseph.
 Politics generally undermines the validity of law and order in the society.
GOOD ASPECTS OF POLITICS (POLITICS AS A GOOD GAME)
 It is a special gift in which all Christians must participate.
 It is the heart of governances and leadership of the society hence necessary to
organize mankind. For example after the death of Moses and Joshua the people of
Israel yarned for a leader to get more organized.
 Even in the bible God raised leaders to serve as political servants. For example king
David, Solomon.
 Leadership itself is God given and whatever God gives is perfectly good. (Rom 13:1-
7)

74
`

 Its through politics that Christians can participate to point out the evils of the society.
 Jesus himself never condemned politics because of the evils attached to it.
 Jesus even corrected the laws of the time so as to create a good political atmosphere.
For example he castigated mob justice by calling for forgiveness.
 Through politics Christians are in position to fight injustice in society. That is to say,
corruption, dictatorship and others. For example Archbishop Janan Luwum opposed
the dictatorship of Idi Amin.
 Politics spearheads the development of the society through provision of social services
and infrastructures. That is to say, hospitals, schools and many others
 Politics ensures security and stability. For example Solomon and David in the bible
provided strong security to the people of Israel.
 It also promotes democracy hence peace and stability or harmony.
 Politics helps to safe guard the lives of individuals.
 Politics ensures proper utilization and exploitation of the country’s resources.

HOW JESUS DEMONSTRATED HIS POWERS

 He taught his disciples that having authority means serving others.
 He said the greatest must be like the younger.
 Jesus showed this by washing the feet of his disciples.
 Jesus never resisted authority in that he remained humble and meek. For example he
stopped Peter from using the sword when he was being arrested.
 He sacrifices himself and died for many.
 He used his powers to establish the kingdom of God.
 He taught with great authority so as to bring about a positive change in society.
 Jesus came that people have life and have it to the full.
 Jesus treated all people as equal and reconciled people to his father.
 He performed miracles to portray his authority. For example the feeding of 5,000
people.
 To fulfill his authority he referred to himself as the truth, the way and the life. (John
14:6)
 He exorcised people. For example when he drove the demons into the pigs which
later drowned into water
ARMED CONFLICT

75
`

Causes
 Armed conflicts may be within countries, between countries. And below are some of
the causes;
 Variations in political ideologies. For example single party verses multiparty.
 The nature of the economy. For example capitalism verses socialism.
 Economic oppression and exploitation of the masses through acts like over taxation,
low development and many others
 Dictatorship and autocracy. For example during the reign of Idi Amin where Obote
through the help of Tanzania fought the liberation war.
 Social economic discrimination in term of jobs, tribe, sectarianism.
 Unjustified political victimization of the masses. For example detention without trial.
 Power struggle; For example Lord’s resistance movement struggle for power.
 Corruption and instability to provide the masses with the basic needs can easily
prompt armed conflict.
 Tribalism. For example in 1994, the Hutu and the Tutsi of Rwanda were at each
other’s neck.
 Rigging of elections by ruling government. For example Museveni decided to go the
bush after the 1980 rigged elections by UPC.
 Production and availability of firearms and weapons.
 Nursing of ambitious programs. For example Gadhafi who intends to create a United
States of Africa against the wishes of some nations.
 Mistreatment, mistrust and fear between countries. For example Congo verses
Uganda, Rwanda verses Uganda, and Sudan verses Uganda.
 Unfair distribution of national cake.
 Lust for greed and wealth.
 Unemployment which in most cases provides a recruitment ground.
CAUSES/ FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR REFUGEES
Refugees are persons or people outside area of origin as a result of fear of
persecution, natural disasters, epidemic outbreak and war. Below are some of the
factors that may cause it;
 Political victimization by those in power. For example during the regime of Idi Amin,
many people were exiled.

76
`

 Civil wars forcing people to seek for safety. For example during the Rwanda
Genocide, many ran to Uganda.
 Religious persecution. For example in Sudan because of the enforcement of Islam
many have come to Uganda as refugees.
 Racial discrimination. For example the apartheid policy in South Africa that led to many
of the couth African to flee their country.
 Economic discrimination creating the emergence of classes. That is to say, the nobles,
middle class and the class of peasants.
 Tribalism and tribalism clashes. For example the one in Rwanda. That is to say, Hutu
and Tutsi.
 Sexual discrimination. For example Afghanistan incidence on women.
 Professional discrimination. That is to say, where people are denied jobs without any
serious cause.
 Discrimination on the basis of culture, nationality, religion and many others
 Dictatorial and undemocratic governance leading to excessive exploitation and
oppression of the masses.

PROBLEMS LIKELY TO BE FACED BY CHRISTIANS AS A RESULT OF THE WAR/

REBELLION
 May encourage the element of revenge and harassment of the innocent, which is
unchristian.
 May encourage some selfish interest thereby self defeating the purpose of love and
sharing.
 May lead to persecution of Christians. For example Kabaka Mwanga persecuted the
Ugandan martyrs because their act of rebellion against his policies.
 Christians may suffer isolation as a result of the war. That is to say, they may be
marginalized.
 Murder, torture may become inevitable. For example the Israelites who were greatly
tortured by Pharaoh, because of their rebellion.
 May easily lead to full blown out war with its negative consequences.
 May destroy, blackmail the image of Christianity.
 Enmity may develop between the church and the state leading to discrimination hatred
all of which are un Christian.

77
`

 May force people not to practice their faith openly for fear of persecution.
 May lead to acts of imprisonment thereby going against the act of reconciliation and
forgiveness.

HOW A CHRISTIAN SHOULD HANDLE UNJUST TREATMENT

 Christians should always advocate for peaceful means of solving problems.
 Christians are supposed to be peacemakers and as such, they should always maintain
peace in the world.
 They should follow the example of Jesus who accepted to suffer for the good of
mankind.
 Christians should sacrifice their lives for the sake of attaining peace.
 Christians should endure, persevere and tolerate suffering as taught by St. James and
Peter.
 They should develop the spirit of patience and obedience to the earthly government.
 They should advocate for a dialogue. That is to say, round table talks with the unjust
authority. For example the elders who went to talk peace with the Rehoboam.
 Christians should pray for the unjust state to change for the better.
 They should practice love of their neighbours and enemies and of those who persecute
them.
 They should advice the dictators that they are God’s representatives on earth.
 Christians should remain humble, exemplary even in their suffering like prophet
Jeremiah was humble in his state of suffering.
Note: However, its right of the Christians to voice out their dissatisfaction and as such
they can always rebel and oppose as the last resort.
DISADVANTAGES OF WAR
 Murder of the innocent. For example during the Rwanda Genocide of 1994 where
many people lost their lives.
 Famine and poor standards of living because of lack of concentration in that people
lack basic necessities during war.
 It leads to untold suffering of the innocent. For example the Aboke girls who got
abducted by Joseph Kony rebels
 It may bring about immorality of the people. That is to say, people are usually
concentrated in camps and movement is restricted this makes life unbearable.

78
`

 Destruction of property. For example in Afghanistan where most of the infrastructure

were destroyed by US bombers.
 It breeds gross violation if human rights. For example raping, stealing, looting and
many others
 Unemployment becomes rampant because of the closure, destruction of industries
and factories.
 War brings about dictators. For example Idi Amin, Joseph Kabira who all came to
power through war.
 In war there is bond to be anarchy. That is to say, the state of lawlessness hence a
state of no peace and harmony.
 Permissiveness becomes rampant leading people to do as they please.
Other factors that may disrupt peace than war
 Lack of freedom of worship, expression and association.
 Poverty
 The AIDS scourge, resulting into cases of orphans, widows and many others
 Discrimination and tribalism. For example the Hutu and the Tutsi.
 Drug abuse and addiction.
 Quarrels fights and divorce in families. For example former Vice president of Uganda
doctor Specioza Kazibwe.
 Loss of dear ones
 Famine and hunger.
 Unemployment
 Ethnic diseases. For example Karamajong raids and cattle rustling which has kept the
Iteso in a state of restlessness?
 Inequality and permissiveness of the society.
 Illiteracy and ignorance.
THE BIBLE TEACHING ON WAR AND PEACE
 Christianity advocates for peace and harmony at all times.
 The bible teaches that peace is God’s will for mankind.
 Through Jesus, peace and reconciliation came into the world.
 Christians are called upon to work positively for peace for happy are the peacemakers.
 Real peace means justice.

79
`

 Jesus excluded war and the use of violence as a means of establishing his heavenly
kingdom.
 Jesus is a messiah for peace as prophesized by prophets.
 Christians should work for peace all the time for the entire world.
 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul emphasizes unselfish love agape thereby creating peace.
 When Jesus was leaving his disciples, he left them with the gift of peace.
 Jesus gave his disciples the commandments to love their enemies as they love
themselves.
 All the prophets. That is to say, Jeremiah and others prophesized the perfect peace
that was to come in the person of Jesus.
THE COMPONENTS OF A PEACEFUL SOCIETY
 When there is freedom from war and civil disorder hence a moment of calmness.
 Peace is fully achieved if the 3 aspects of the person the soul, mind and body are all
in harmony.
 If there is abundance or plenty of food. That is to say, absence of hunger and famine.
 When people live without fear or intimidation.
 When there is no repression of people’s freedom of press and association.
 A situation where most people are literate.
 Availability of employment opportunities such that people who qualify are readily
absorbed

80