Renowned overseer of Kimaka Faith Fellowship Ministries International Bishop Dr. Daniel Muwanga has weighed in on this year’s concurrent fasting periods of Muslims and Christians, highlighting the true essence of fasting.
This year, both Muslims and Christians started their fasting periods on Wednesday 18th February.
Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and reflection observed by Christians typically leading up to Easter. It is a time for spiritual renewal, self-examination and preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Key aspects of Lent are fasting and abstinence, prayer and devotion, charitable g giving and service and spiritual growth.
Lent is an opportunity for Christians to deepen their faith, seek forgiveness and strive for personal transformation.
Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and Lent the Christian fasting period which begins on Ash Wednesday coincided marking a rare alignment of the lunar and solar calendars.
On the other hand, Ramadan is the Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer and reflection, observed by Muslims worldwide. It is a time for spiritual growth, self-improvement and devotion to Allah.
Key aspects of Ramadan are fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer and Quran recitation, charitable giving and community service as well as spiritual reflection and self-improvement.
In Uganda, Muslims observe Ramadan with fervor, seeking forgiveness ad striving for personal transformation.
Commenting on the two faith events, Bishop Muwanga has delivered a profanity-faced message unapologetically calling out hypocrisy and social injustice by some so-called believers who always throng places of worship.
He profanely denounced empty rituals, corruption and exploitation emphasizing tat true fasting should involve genuine transformation not just outward show.
The blunt words continue to cut through the noise, urging believers to confront their individual and collective sins and seek spiritual purging.
The bishop also emphasized the true essence of fasting saying it is not just about abstaining from food or drink but about transformation and spiritual regeneration.
He describes Isiah’s message as a mirror to our modern times where hypocrisy reigns and churches have become entertainment hubs.
The Pentecostal prelate who oversees churches in East and central Africa laments that many Ugandan believers are fasting with outward rituals but their hearts are far from God.
“They sing melodies in coarse voices not to praise God but to create brands and market themselves so that they get invites to perform in public events in return for money…”
He highlights issues like corruption, nepotism, murder, theft and infidelity, noting that some believers oppress voiceless maids and casual laborers, ignoring the needs of poor widows and orphans.
As Ugandans resume normal duties after the general elections, Bishop Dr Daniel Muwanga draws parallels between Isaiah 58 and the country’s current context.
Isiah 58 highlights the disconnect between outward rituals and inward transformation.
Bishop Muwanga emphasizes that true fasting involves more than abstaining from food or drink, and that it is about addressing social injustices, promoting compassion and seeking spiritual renewal.
In Uganda’s context, Bishop Muwanga says this means acknowledging the pain of those who lost and offering support, addressing electoral injustices and promoting transparency as well as focusing on national unity beyond partisan divides.
A Society in Distress.
Bishop Muwanga says in Uganda, virtues like honesty, truthfulness, hard work, dignity, and transparency are now being scorned.
“Instead, thieves and wrongdoers are often glorified and worshiped for their ill-gotten wealth, this is a stark reminder of Isaiah’s message as recorded in Isaiah 29:13)”, the bishop stressed.
Bishop Muwanga Lashes Out at ‘Ego-Driven’ Theologians.
Bishop Dr. Daniel Muwanga also uses the occasion to criticize some theologians and academics who focus more on the histories and backgrounds of Christian events like Easter, Christmas, and Lent, rather than their spiritual significance.
Ego Display, Not Spiritual Growth.
Speaking on the coinciding fasting periods of Muslims and Christians, Bishop Muwanga lamented that many people, including scholars, prioritize showcasing their knowledge over genuine spiritual growth.
“If one doesn’t repent of individual sins, then days like Lent are meaningless,” he emphasized.
Bishop Muwanga stresses that events like Lent should inspire transformation, not just academic debate. He urges Christians to focus on the spiritual essence of these days, allowing them to shape lives and perspectives.
The bishop’s message echoes Isaiah’s call to prioritize justice, compassion, and humility (Isaiah 58:6-7). He challenges Ugandans to move beyond ritualistic practices and seek genuine spiritual renewal.
“Fasting is not just about abstaining from food or drink, but about transformation and spiritual regeneration,”, he says.
The bishop’s message invites Ugandans to embody compassion, empathy and justice, foster national healing and reconciliation, prioritize, common good over personal interests.
In his concluding message, Bishop Muwanga reminds believers that true repentance requires restitution, citing Biblical principles as recorded in the Gospel according to Luke 19:8 and Exodus 22:1-4.
He has challenged Ugandans who have amassed wealth through corruption to surrender the ill-gotten gains allowing the Holy Spirit to guide restitution.
He guides that during the Lent and Ramadan period stolen public funds should be returned to enhance service delivery in health education and social services.
“Even those who have stolen land or grabbed other people’s wives should be in a position to restore them otherwise the period will have no meaning and impact”, he challenged.
Bishop Muwanga cites Zacchaeus’ example as recorded in Luke 19:8 urging those who have wronged others to repay fourfold, saying repentance without restitution is incomplete.
