Nebbi, Uganda: Retired Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi, has cautioned believers against skin bleaching, urging them to embrace their natural skin as part of God’s creation.
Orombi made the remarks during a confirmation service for 105 faithfuls at St. Paul’s Church of Uganda, Mvungu, in Paidha Town Parish under Nebbi Diocese on Sunday, where hundreds of believers gathered.
“Let us avoid skin bleaching. Let us be ourselves. God created our skins for the reasons He knows,” Orombi said. He added: “God created our dark skins for a reason, it is beautiful! Why don’t you be proud of it!”
The Archbishop linked the growing trend of skin lightening to both spiritual and health risks, warning that many people, especially women and youth, are increasingly using harmful substances in pursuit of lighter skin.
Medical experts have long cautioned that skin-bleaching products often contain toxic chemicals such as mercury, hydroquinone, and corticosteroids, which can lead to serious health complications, including skin damage, kidney problems, and increased cancer risk.
Orombi emphasised that believers should value their bodies as temples of God and reject practices that endanger their health.
The practice, once rare in parts of West Nile, has reportedly become more common in recent years, with some attributing its spread to cross-border influences from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite the known risks, demand for skin-lightening products remains high across many parts of Uganda, reflecting broader societal perceptions around beauty.
Beyond the health warning, Orombi used the occasion to preach unity within families and the church, urging parents to nurture children responsibly and emphasise prayer in daily life.
He also called on children to respect their parents and encouraged forgiveness within families to foster harmony. “The devil are targeting our kids, we need to pray for them,” Orombi said, as he invited children forward for blessings during the service.
The confirmation ceremony saw a strong youth presence, with nearly 90 percent of the 105 candidates aged below 17, reflecting what church leaders described as a growing and vibrant future for the faith community.
Orombi prayed for the candidates, urging them to remain steadfast in faith, serve others, and live truthfully.
The event featured performances from church choirs including Bethania, Rukidi, St Peter’s, and the host St Paul’s Mvungu, alongside presentations by Sunday School children.
It also marked the first confirmation service for Parish Priest Rev. Marlon Rupiny and followed the recent posting of Ven. Alfred Ogenmungu as Archdeacon of Goli Central Archdeaconry.
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