UGANDA: BISHOP CALLS FOR DEATH PENALTY

the former bishop of the Kigezi Diocese in Uganda, Rev William Rukirande, called for the death penalty for civil servants and politicians who embezzle public funds and abuse their offices. Rikirande said the weak laws, which contributed to corruption in government institutions, should be revised. Rikirande also criticised the rampant theft of drugs in public health centres, saying many patients had lost their lives because of this. “Many people convicted of corruption are given weak sentences, which encourage others to commit the same offenses,” he said. Rikirande was preaching to hundreds of Christians who turned up at the end-of-year service at the All Saints Church in Kabale town. He said district officials embezzle funds by awarding contracts to friends and relatives, who later carry out shoddy work.