KAMPALA, UGANDA — Christians across Uganda on Wednesday joined millions worldwide to mark Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season, a solemn period of prayer, fasting, repentance and spiritual renewal ahead of Easter.
As ashes were placed on foreheads in churches across the country, religious leaders used the occasion to call for not only personal repentance but also responsible conduct especially on social media.
At Our Lady of Snows Virika Cathedral in Fort Portal, Bishop Robert Muhirwa of the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese warned against the growing culture of online hate speech.
He expressed concern about the increasing use of social media to insult others, politicize sensitive issues, and spread harmful language that causes emotional and psychological harm. He urged Christians to use their words to promote love, mercy and compassion during Lent.
The bishop encouraged the faithful to fast not only from food but also from earthly pleasures such as alcohol, meat and excessive social media use, which he said can fuel division. He called on believers to strengthen their relationship with God through repentance, forgiveness and acts of charity toward the needy.
Calls for reconciliation in Arua
A similar message was delivered at Christ the King Catholic Parish in Arua City, where Parish Priest Pius Yobuta urged Christians to become peacemakers.
Drawing inspiration from St. Vincent de Paul, known for serving prisoners and the poor, Fr. Yobuta challenged believers to reconcile with those they have wronged.
“As we start the fasting period today, I call upon you to reconcile with those you have wronged, be it your neighbour, workmate or community member, just as Jesus did,” he said.
He encouraged Christians to give up what they cherish most during Lent and instead extend support to the sick, elderly and those in prison.
Teddy Avako, parish moderator for Lugbara Mass, called on Christians to take part in the Way of the Cross every Friday throughout the season.
Reflection and charity in Kotido
In Kotido District, Msgr. Daniel Nabuya, Vicar General and Diocesan Administrator of the Kotido Catholic Diocese, reminded the faithful that Lent goes beyond abstaining from meat.
Quoting Pope Francis, he encouraged Christians to seek quiet time for prayer and reflection, listen to their hearts, and hear God’s voice amid daily distractions.
He urged believers to extend charity to the underprivileged and turn away from behaviors that distance them from God.
Parishioners echoed the message of renewal. Simon Lorot, who attended Mass at Good Shepherd Cathedral Church, said he intends to use the season to reconcile with those he has wronged.
“Through prayer and fasting, I hope to forgive all who wronged me, and I will also ask them to forgive me,” he said.
Shared season of devotion
This year, the start of Lent coincides with the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan a period that also emphasizes fasting, prayer, charity and spiritual discipline highlighting a shared call to reflection and moral renewal across faiths.
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the 40-day journey toward Easter, inviting Christians to turn away from sin and renew their commitment to God through prayer, fasting and acts of love.
