Ugandan writer and activist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija has challenged newly consecrated Bishop Patience Rwabwogo to use her new religious position to speak out against what he describes as injustices under her father’s government.
In an open letter shared on social media, Kakwenza congratulated Bishop Rwabwogo but questioned whether her new role would go beyond religious leadership and address Uganda’s political and social challenges.
“Perhaps charity should begin at the State House Entebbe,” Kakwenza wrote.
He further challenged her: “Can you use that shepherd’s staff to beat away the demons of your father’s rule over Ugandans?”
Bishop Rwabwogo, daughter of President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, was recently consecrated as an Episcopal Bishop at Covenant Hill in Maya, Wakiso District, during celebrations marking 20 years of Covenant Nations Church, which she founded.
Kakwenza also referenced allegations of torture, imprisonment and disappearances involving government critics, as well as the ongoing legal troubles facing opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye.
“A Bishop should recognise evil even when it shares her surname,” he stated.
He argued that Bishop Patience’s greatest test would be whether she can speak against wrongdoing even when it involves members of her own family.
The remarks come after President Museveni attended his daughter’s consecration and praised her knowledge of scripture, while also gifting her 50 cows.
Kakwenza, who lives in exile, remains a vocal critic of the Museveni government.
