Date: 5 January 2026
By The Pearl of Africa News Reporter
Ugandan Catholic priest and outspoken social commentator, Fr. Anthony Musaala, has ignited a national conversation on patriotism, governance, and civil liberties. He did this after defending citizens’ right to carry the national flag and warning authorities against criminalising symbolic expressions of dissent. He emphasized that deeper national problems remain unresolved.
Speaking amid growing public debate over the use of the national flag in political and social spaces, Fr. Musaala argued that Uganda’s leadership risks misplacing its priorities. They focus on symbols rather than substance. His remarks come at a time when the country continues to grapple with persistent challenges including corruption, deteriorating infrastructure, and strained public health services.
“The flag belongs to the people, which is why we also have it in Church,” Fr. Musaala said.
“We have bigger challenges in our country, such as corruption, poor roads, and lack of medicines in health centres, which deserve more attention than fighting citizens carrying the national flag.”
A Symbol of Unity, Not Division
Fr. Musaala’s comments challenge a growing tendency by state authorities to view the display of the national flag—particularly during protests or opposition activities—as an act of provocation or political defiance. In recent years, several Ugandans have been arrested or questioned for carrying the flag during demonstrations. This has prompted accusations that state institutions are narrowing the space for civic expression.
According to the priest, the national flag is not the property of the state or the ruling elite. Instead, it is a shared symbol of collective identity and belonging.
Pull Quote:
“The flag belongs to the people.”
He further noted that the presence of the flag in churches, schools, and public gatherings reflects its unifying role in national life. For Fr. Musaala, criminalising its use undermines the very patriotism that leaders claim to defend.
Redirecting National Attention
Beyond the symbolism of the flag, Fr. Musaala’s statement struck a deeper chord by highlighting what he described as Uganda’s “real crises.” Corruption remains one of the most persistent issues facing the country. Regular reports from the Auditor General detail the misuse of public funds across multiple sectors.
Poor road infrastructure continues to affect rural communities. This limits access to markets, schools, and health facilities. Meanwhile, the public health system struggles with shortages of essential medicines, understaffed facilities, and underfunding. These problems directly impact ordinary Ugandans.
Pull Quote:
“We have bigger challenges in our country… which deserve more attention.”
Analysts say Fr. Musaala’s intervention reflects a broader frustration among citizens. They feel that government energy is often directed toward suppressing dissent rather than addressing service delivery failures.
Church, State, and Moral Authority
As a religious leader, Fr. Musaala occupies a unique position in Uganda’s public discourse. The Church has historically played a significant role in speaking out on governance, human rights, and social justice. His remarks reinforce a long-standing tradition of clerical voices challenging political authority when national values appear threatened.
By pointing out that the national flag is displayed in churches, Fr. Musaala also emphasized the moral dimension of patriotism. He argued that love for country should be measured by commitment to justice, accountability, and the welfare of citizens, rather than unquestioning loyalty to power.
Public Reaction and Wider Implications
Reaction to the priest’s comments has been swift, particularly on social media, where many Ugandans echoed his sentiments. Civil society activists have praised his courage. They say his words capture the mood of a population weary of economic hardship and shrinking civic space.
However, some government supporters argue that the flag must be protected from misuse. They insist that national symbols should not be politicised. This tension highlights an ongoing struggle over the meaning of patriotism in contemporary Uganda.
Pull Quote:
“Fighting citizens carrying the national flag misses the point.”
A Call for Reflection
Fr. Musaala’s statement ultimately serves as a call for national reflection. At its core, his message challenges leaders to reassess their priorities. He urges citizens to reclaim ownership of national symbols as tools for unity rather than instruments of control.
As Uganda navigates complex political and socio-economic realities, the priest’s words raise a fundamental question. Should the state invest its energy in policing symbols, or in solving the everyday problems that define citizens’ lives?
For many Ugandans, the answer appears increasingly clear.
