Prominent Ugandan pastor, Martin Ssempa, has accused Makerere University of religious discrimination following the closure of the Makerere Community Church, a faith-based institution he founded and operated for over two decades. The closure has sparked a controversy, raising questions about religious freedom and the treatment of faith-based organizations within Uganda’s public universities.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Pastor Ssempa expressed his deep disappointment with the university’s decision, claiming that it has deprived thousands of students of essential spiritual support and counseling services. “Our pulpit, which taught our students to be godly global leaders, is silent,” Ssempa lamented, highlighting the significant role the church played in the spiritual and social lives of many students.
Pastor Ssempa has accused Makerere University, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, of branding his church “irregular,” a move he interprets as an act of religious discrimination. He argues that the university’s actions violate the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of worship, a fundamental right in Uganda.
“It’s sad that religious discrimination of religious minorities is still acceptable in our higher institutions of learning in 2024,” Ssempa wrote, calling attention to what he perceives as an ongoing issue of bias against religious groups that do not conform to the majority’s practices within the university.
In his statement, Pastor Ssempa pointed out the substantial financial contributions he and his wife have made to support students at Makerere University, totaling over $6 million. Despite these contributions, he claims the university administration has met his efforts with hostility rather than appreciation.
Pastor Ssempa also criticized the university for neglecting student welfare, an issue he claims to have raised as early as 2007. He argues that the closure of the church will leave a significant gap in the provision of social services, particularly in the areas of spiritual guidance and counseling, which the church had provided for over two decades.
Pastor Ssempa has announced his intention to take legal action against Makerere University, seeking to challenge what he views as an infringement on religious freedom and the rights of students to access spiritual services. “It is strange that people like me have to resort to court to get the simplest decision for the well-being of the students,” he stated, emphasizing his resolve to fight against what he describes as “religious oppression.”
In his statement, Pastor Ssempa called on the public to support his campaign against the alleged religious discrimination at Makerere University. He urged his followers to reach out to both Professor Nawangwe and the newly appointed Chancellor, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, to demand an end to the perceived discrimination against religious minorities.
The case has broader implications for religious freedom in Uganda, particularly within public institutions like Makerere University. It raises important questions about the role of faith-based organizations in providing social and spiritual services to students and whether such institutions are receiving equitable treatment within the university system.
As of now, Makerere University has not issued an official response to Pastor Ssempa’s accusations. The situation remains tense as the debate over religious freedom and the rights of religious minorities within educational institutions continues to unfold.
