BISHOP GADDIE; LET CONFIRMATION NOT BE JUST A RELIGIOUS CEREMONY BUT A TURNING POINT IN YOUR LIVES

By Ambrose Kweronda
www.mknewslink.com
In Kabale—
The Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, has called upon newly confirmed Christians to demonstrate positive change in their lives.
He said confirmation should not be merely a religious ceremony but a turning point in their Christian journey.
Bishop Akanjuna made the remarks today during the confirmation of 96 confirmants who were confirmed into the Anglican faith at St. John’s Kigata Church of Uganda Parish, Kikungiri Archdeaconry in the Diocese of Kigezi.
He urged the confirmants to leave behind their former ways of life and embrace discipline, good behavior and a stronger relationship with God.
Bishop Akanjuna said if the confirmants return home and continue behaving the same way they did before confirmation, then they will have gained nothing from the ceremony.
He challenged them to show change in the way they speak, behave, move and conduct their daily lives, saying their lives should reflect the teachings they have received from the Church.
The Bishop also urged the confirmants to put into practice the teachings they have received, always put God first, become responsible and useful members of their families, churches and communities.
Bishop Akanjuna said members of society should be able to recognize them as changed people, especially because they made commitments during the confirmation ceremony.
He further reminded them that they have received the Holy Spirit, which should guide and strengthen them in their Christian journey. He encouraged them to remain obedient to God and avoid actions that could distance them from their faith.
While preaching, the Diocese of Kigezi Missions Coordinator, Rev. Canon Daniel Byamukama, has advised Christians, especially the youth, to desist from alcohol and drug abuse and instead turn to God.
Byamukama said many young people are being affected by alcohol consumption, sexual immorality, pornography, betting, drug abuse and smoking shisha, particularly among young girls.
He urged the youth to abandon these practices and seek guidance from God, warning that such behaviours can negatively affect their lives and future.
Byamukama also recalled that during the 11th Parliament, one Member of Parliament jokingly proposed what was described as an “alcohol bail” on the floor of Parliament, although the proposal was rejected.
He commended the Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, for his efforts to promote responsible alcohol consumption and for setting guidelines on the time for drinking alcohol.
Meanwhile, economic analyst Syson Mwebesa has appealed to the government to enforce the amended laws against alcohol abuse, pornography and smoking.
Mwebesa said there was a need for stronger implementation of the laws, adding that local communities should also take responsibility in addressing the challenges affecting society.
He called on the relevant authorities and members of the public to work together to ensure that the laws are effectively implemented and that young people are protected from harmful practices.