Arua Priest Urges Christians to Reject Tribalism and Racism

The Parish Priest of Christ the King Arua City Catholic Parish, Father Yobuta, has urged Christians to embrace the universality of the Church and reject sectarianism, tribalism and racism. Father Yobuta said the Christian faith should unite people regardless of their race, tribe, colour, social status or occupation.

He was preaching during the celebration of the 20th Sunday at Christ the King Catholic Parish in Arua City, where he reflected on Jesus’ encounter with a Canaanite woman whose daughter was suffering from an evil spirit.

Father Yobuta said although Jesus was Jewish, he did not hesitate to respond to the woman’s plea and heal her daughter, demonstrating that Christ’s love extends beyond ethnic and social boundaries.

He said Christians should similarly ensure that the Church remains open to everyone who believes in Christ, regardless of their background.

Father Yobuta warned that practices that divide Christians along ethnic, tribal or racial lines are inconsistent with the teachings of Christ and undermine the unity of the Church.

The second Mass celebrations at Christ the King Catholic Parish were organised by the Bantu community living in Arua City, commonly referred to as BABA.

Paul Lule, the chairman of the Buganda community living in Arua, commended the parish for creating a welcoming environment for different ethnic communities.

He said the various communities have been able to live and work together in harmony through their shared Christian faith.

Dismus Niwagaba, chairperson of the Banyoro, Batoro, Banyankole and Bakiga community in Arua City, said the Church has helped strengthen a spirit of unity among its members.