A Ugandan priest says he wants to return to his homeland despite being suspended after raising concerns over the number of his colleagues struggling with celibacy. Father Anthony Musaala wrote a letter to the Archbishop of Kampala, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga outlining the allegations, which also included child sex abuse. He said he believes many Catholic priests and even bishops are sexually abusing minors with some fathering and hiding children. His letter also called for a review of the celibacy laws within the Catholic Church. Although it was written purely for Church leaders, after showing it to a friend, it was leaked to the media and as a result he was suspended.
Outlining the reasons, Archbishop Lwanga said it was:
"Because of the publication of his article in the public media which damages good morals of Catholic believers and further expresses a wrong teaching against the Catholic Church's teaching and that this stirs up hatred and contempt against the Church."
He also reassured Catholics that he would look in to the content of the letter and said:
"On behalf of my fellow Catholic bishops in Uganda, I wish to assure the public that as leaders of the Catholic Church in Uganda, we are committed to the protection of the minors and rights of everyone. Investigations about these allegations are to begin immediately."
Father Anthony, who's currently staying in London, tells Premier's Marcus Jones the issues are widespread.
Father Anthony says he has applied to the Vatican to get his suspension overturned and hopes to return to Uganda to continue his ministry.