West Ruwenzori bishop cautions Christians against luxurious weddings

Bundibugyo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  Rev Barnabas Tibaijuka, the Bishop of West Ruwenzori Diocese, has called on Christians to avoid extravagant weddings. He made this statement during his ongoing pastoral work at St. James Church of Uganda (COU) in Bubandi, Bundibugyo District. Since his consecration on August 22, 2023, Bishop Tibaijuka has officiated 21 weddings and confirmed 368 Christians.

The bishop expressed concern that many couples are resorting to cohabitation, a practice contrary to their religion, because they cannot afford expensive weddings. He emphasized that his focus as a bishop is to help couples get married without the need for lavish spending, and he plans to conduct mass weddings each year.

Tibaijuka pointed out that in the current economic crisis, Christians need to understand the importance of righteous living within their means. He stressed that the priority for Christians should be finding the right life partner, not mobilizing resources for extravagant weddings.

Additionally, the Bishop addressed the security situation in the Rwenzori region, highlighting the threat posed by suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels. He called on the government to implement strict security measures to combat the suspected rebels.

Jolly Mbambu, one of the beneficiaries of the mass wedding initiative, praised the effort and suggested extending it to rural areas where many couples are willing to marry but lack the means to do so.

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URN