By Nasser Kayanja
A planned Holy Mass dedicated to prisoners at Lubaga Cathedral has been postponed until further notice, according to church officials.
Speaking to congregants, Winnie Byanyima said the Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Archilis Mayanja, informed them that the service would not proceed as scheduled. She stated that the postponement was communicated without a clear explanation for the decision.
Byanyima told worshippers that they had been informed the directive was issued under the prerogative of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, though no official reason was provided for halting the Mass.
The service had been organized to offer prayers for prisoners, including Byanyima’s husband, retired Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Several political leaders have since described the move as persecution and an infringement on the right to worship. They argue that prayer services should not be subject to political interference.
Byanyima further told the congregation that the organizers plan to convene a press conference to provide more details about the circumstances surrounding the postponement.
Church authorities have yet to issue a formal public statement clarifying the reasons for the decision or indicating when the Mass may be rescheduled.