Risking prison to fight corruption

This article was updated on 28 March 2013 - see below

This Thursday 14 February Rev David Zac Niringiye will report to Wandegeya Police Station in Kampala and there is a chance that he could be taken to court and charged with the crime of ‘inciting violence’ and asked to report again.  But he is also hoping that the case will be dismissed on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution.

Last Monday, Anglican bishop, Niringiye, was arrested and detained in Kampala for distributing materials denouncing corruption, to students at Makerere University in Kampala.
His action was part of Black Monday, a movement of many different groups raising awareness and demanding action against the theft of public resources by politicians and public servants.  Bishop Niringiye has written that, “Corruption is stealing right out of the pockets of ordinary Ugandans. People are dying because they cannot access basic health care from trained staff.”

As EXPOSED 2013 campaign against corruption continues to develop momentum, Bishop Zac is an example of the courageous response of Christians around the world who are throwing light on the entrenched experiences of corruption.

"There is a wave of resistance to corruption which is inspired by biblical principles and which is emerging before our eyes as the campaign continues to raise its profile in many parts of the world and Bishop Zac is looking to all of us to become involved in what is a global mission for the poor", said Rev Dion Forster, coordinator of EXPOSED.

EXPOSED is calling on our friends to stand with the Black Monday Movement.

1. Pray for Bishop Zac and other Christians in Uganda who face considerable risk by being part of Black Monday. Go to the BMM website: www.facebook.com/BlackMondayMovement to see their work.

2. But also remember to pray for the President and government ofI reported to the Police Station this morning with my lawyer, accompanied by my wife and daughter, some Civil Society leaders and two Members of Parliament. I was just told to report again on Monday 18 February. I am told that the file is still with the Director of Public Prosecutions.Uganda. 

3. PLEASE WRITE to the Ugandan embassy in your capital city.  Bishop Zac is willing to be mentioned by name. The Ugandan Government has signed the United Nations Against Corruption (UNCAC).  Ask them to take firm action to address corruption in the delivery of public services. Remind them that most Ugandans want their country to be ruled by Christian principles which deliver justice to the poor.

People are encouraged to wear black every Monday to mourn corruption’s impact. Bishop Zac added, "We also want to seek to restore dignity to 'blackness', dignity being robbed by this theft."

UPDATE 14th February 2013

We received the following update from Bishop Zac this afternoon. Please continue to keep him and the Black Monday Movement in your prayers.

Just to update you.

I reported to the Police Station this morning with my lawyer, accompanied by my wife and daughter, some Civil Society leaders and two Members of Parliament. I was just told to report again on Monday 18 February. I am told that the file is still with the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Justice, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

Bishop Zac

UPDATE 18th February 2013

We received an update from Bishop Zac this morning.  He reported again to the Police Station and was told to report again on Monday 11th March.  Bishop Zac was accompanied by a number of Civil Society leaders including another Bishop and an Imam with whom they are working on issues of justice.  He was encouraged by the presence of these men.  His next reporting date coincides with the EXPOSED anti-corruption campaign launch in South Africa, and we will keep you upated as to progress.

UPDATE 28th March 2013

Bishop Zac reported to the Police Station both on 11 and 18 March. When he reported on the 11 March, he was told to report again on 18 March because "the file was still with the Director of Public Prosecutions". When he reported on 18 March, he was told that there was really no case against him and therefore did not have to report anymore to the Police. The Criminal Investigations Officer however said that if they needed him for any reason, he needed to be able to be in touch with Bishop Zac's Lawyers, and so took their contact details.

Bishop Zac also sent the following message:

I have received encouragement from many of you...rejoicing about my release from the Police bond. Thank you.

I am trusting God....not so much that they will not arrest me again (in fact I expect this to happen!) but for daily wisdom, discernment, grace and strength for whatever each day may hold. Pray with me on these things.

What Uganda needs is a peaceful transition from the current regime...and a team of selfless, compassionate, visionary and transformational leaders to take on the mantle of leadership. Uganda is desperate for moral and just leadership. Pray for us on these things.

Justice, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

Zac

Please continue to join us in pray for Bishop Zac, for the Black Monday Movement, and for Uganda.