The Arch Bishop of Gulu Catholic Arch Diocese Rt Rev. John Baptist Odama has criticized the government for using violence to quell the walk-to-work protests.

Odama said the way the President of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Rtd Col. Dr Kizza Besigye, was arrested and pepper sprayed portrayed a decaying regime.

Odama said that the footage that was shown on TV is a clear indication that the country is heading for some very hard times in our future.

He added that it was absurd that Uganda boasts of being a Christian nation but forgets to promote its values.

Odama appealed to religious institutions to promote reconciliation, love and respect for human life.

It’s contradictory when human beings fight human being or even destroy properties of fellow human beings,” Odama said.

He urged the people of northern Uganda not to join demonstrations because they were still remembering the past violence caused by the war between the government and rebels led by Joseph Kony.

“He also appealed the government of Uganda to listen to its people if they are to resolve difficulties issues and promote peace.

He was speaking on Thursday during a peace week in Lira which was attended by Christians in the diocese of Gulu, Nebbi and Arua at Lango College.

Called the Canal Peace Week, it was initiated in 2006 in Ajumani district as a catholic funded project to bring all political and cultural institution into a dialogue for peace.

This year’s theme was “Religious freedom: the path to bringing peace”.  Christians also made a walk to Jesus around the town led by Police Guards.

Meanwhile the Resident District Commissioner Mr Arwata Joe blamed religious leaders for criticizing government from afar.  “Let the people that say politics is dirty games also join it in order to bring change,” Arwata said.

However, in Uganda, religious and cultural leaders are barred from participating in politics.