The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has called on the Ugandan government to consider instituting a tradition of releasing prisoners during Holy Week, drawing on biblical principles of mercy and forgiveness.
His message was delivered on Good Friday at Old Kampala Grounds, where religious leaders and thousands of faithful gathered for the ecumenical Way of the Cross.
Speaking before a congregation that included Vice President Jessica Alupo, Archbishop Kaziimba said adopting such a tradition would not only honor Christian values but serve as a powerful act of national reconciliation and compassion. “If we could adopt this custom, it is a good one,” he said.
“During the Holy Week, they consider releasing some prisoners because it is very important and a Christian thing. As we carry the cross, we can say; these particular prisoners were released as a custom. It could be a good custom for us as a country.”
His remarks struck a profound chord among attendees, highlighting the link between the spiritual observance of Good Friday and broader national values. The Way of the Cross, which retraces the final steps of Jesus Christ from condemnation to crucifixion, served as a backdrop for this plea for mercy and redemption.
Vice President Alupo praised the unity demonstrated by the religious leaders during the ecumenical prayers and acknowledged the contribution of interfaith collaboration to Uganda’s stability. “Since NRM came to power, the Joint Christian Council and the Inter-Religious Council have demonstrated unity. With unity, we do things very well, faster and harmoniously,” she said.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with faith-based organizations to promote peace and transformation at the household level. “Uganda is peaceful from border to border; therefore, we have a conducive environment to transform our country together,” she noted. As the Lenten season comes to an end, Alupo also encouraged Ugandans to embrace values of prayer, forgiveness, and compassion.
The ecumenical Way of the Cross, led by religious leaders from Lubaga Cathedral and other denominations, was not only a moment of deep spiritual reflection but also a call to action urging leaders to translate faith into tangible policies that uplift, reconcile, and restore. Archbishop Kaziimba’s message now echoes beyond the grounds of Old Kampala, opening a new national conversation about justice, mercy, and what it truly means to walk the way of the cross.
