The gospel of Christ seems to have met an unexpected roadblock at Makerere University, where Pastor Martin Ssempa, a long-standing preacher and vocal anti-LGBTQ activist, has been barred from continuing his ministry.
After over 20 years of delivering sermons and guiding students through his Makerere Community Church, Pastor Ssempa now finds himself locked out of the very campus where he made his spiritual mark.
Ssempa, known for his passionate sermons and conservative stance on social issues, has accused Vice-Chancellor Professor Barnabas Nawangwe of promoting religious discrimination.
According to Ssempa, the decision to revoke his access to the university is part of a broader attempt to silence his voice, which has influenced the lives of thousands of students.
Despite the setback, he remains defiant, vowing to continue his mission beyond the gates of Makerere.
The ban has sparked debate on campus, with some supporting the university’s stance while others lament the loss of a long-standing spiritual presence at Uganda’s premier institution.
“The pulpit that once shaped students into godly global leaders now stands silent. As the new academic year begins, thousands of students who relied on the spiritual guidance, counselling, and social services provided by our ministry are left without these essential supports,”.
“Our platform, which helped shape students into godly and responsible global citizens, is now silent,” Ssempa wrote on his X handle.
Unfortunately, he details, the new academic year has begun, and thousands of students who need spiritual guidance, counselling, and support are left without care.
“It’s disheartening that, while the government fails to provide these welfare services, those of us willing to help, like myself, are being discouraged, silenced, and unsupported,” he explained.
Ssempa further added that he and his wife have invested over $6 million in Makerere students, only to be treated poorly by the current administration.
The frustrated pastor argues that the university’s actions violate Uganda’s constitutional right to freedom of worship and announced plans to take legal action against Makerere, claiming this as a breach of religious freedom and the students’ right to spiritual services.
“It’s unfortunate that people like me have to turn to the courts just to ensure students get the basic care they deserve,” he concluded.
Public reacts
The decision to bar Pastor Ssempa’s ministry from the university has sparked mixed reactions among parents and the public.
Many believe that his ministry played a crucial role in shaping students into responsible citizens and guiding them to denounce wrongdoing.
Supporters argue that Ssempa’s work provided essential spiritual and moral guidance, helping to foster integrity and responsibility among the youth.
As a result, some see the university’s decision as a significant loss, raising concerns about the impact on students who benefited greatly from the ministry’s transformative efforts.
In the meantime, Makerere remains tight-lipped about the matter.
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