Kampala — BORN-again Christians have condemned the killing of former Iraqi President, Saddam Hussein. They also appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to abolish capital punishment.

The denunciation was made during the overnight prayers held at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, just a day after Saddam was executed in Iraq for crimes against humanity. Addressing a crowd of an estimated 40,000 people, the chief convener of the Passover Festival, Dr. Joseph Sserwadda, made a passionate appeal to allow criminals to be given a chance to reform.

"We have entered a new year as the world mourns the death of the former President of Iraq. Sentiments aside, I want to request the Parliament of this nation to abolish anything that comes close to capital punishment. If somebody has caused the death of another and we lose a life, we do not want to be party to the killing of another life," said the senior pastor of the Victory Centre Churches.

Citing Paul and Saul as men of God who reformed after murderous acts, Sserwadda condemned the killing of Saddam Hussein. "I don't care what he did. The God I serve is a forgiving God. I ask President Museveni: do not allow the hanging of people in our constitution."

The issue of the death penalty was debated by Parliament during the last constitutional amendment exercise but it was maintained. Most European countries have abolished the death penalty.

At midnight, the lights at Namboole went full blast as the crowd swayed to the drums played to mark the new year.

Ululation filled the stadium that was packed to the full. Some hugged each other while others waved white envelopes that contained their prayer requests for the new year.

Entertainers included gospel singer Judith Babirye and Namirembe Christian Fellowship Pastor, Simeon Kayiwa and his wife.

Earlier in the day, the people donated blood to the Blood Bank and household items for the displaced people in northern Uganda. Delegations came from several other countries, including Rwanda, Nigeria and the UK.