Some religious fanatics may call me evil, but the bad is overpowering the good when it comes to religious activities at higher institutions of learning.
It is high time we ushered in regulations to guide christians on how to worship their God. I don’t know if God is happy, but I’m disturbed by the deafening ‘praise and worship’ made by our religious brothers.
When you walk into Makerere University in the late evening, you will find congregations gathered at different corners either speaking in tongues or praising God on top of their voices at the expense of evening students.
Most lecturers that tutor evening classes at faculties close to these worship corners have to compete with these worshipers in order to be heard by their students. These end up cutting their lectures short or not teaching at all due to this ‘holy noise’.
University spaces are primarily meant for study purposes, and unless if religious study is a new mandatory course unit, religious affiliates need to create a conducive learning environment for the rest.
God was clear at the genesis of the world. He gave six days for work and dedicated only one day for believers to glorify his name.
Things have clearly changed, and everyday is sabbath – a day to worship and praise the Lord. Yes there’s freedom of worship, but according to my little legal foundation, there is no provision for one to enjoy his freedom at the expense of another.
If religious affiliates cannot stick to God’s guidelines or create a conducive learning environment, I am afraid there will be need to usher in a motion to ban them from university premises.
Makerere University in the past banned public vehicles and motorcycles in order to reduce the unbecoming noise they caused. Now that these are no more, religious affiliates have become the new hindrance to learning.
If they can’t wait for sabbath, universities should dedicate a day for these religious groups to ‘worship’ from the play grounds and exit learning spaces.
Maybe nothing will be done, but this opinion will do serve its purpose to let religious affiliates know that not everyone is okay with them.
