Uganda, Feb. 15 -- Christians yesterday converged at different churches across the country for Ash Wednesday as they ushered in 40 days of lent.

Ash Wednesday marks the 40-day period, which is an allusion to the separation of Jesus Christ in the desert, dedicated to prayer and fasting.

The ashes are made from the burnt palms of the previous year's Palm Sunday and are a sign of humility, repentance, and mortality.

In their core message to the faithful, the religious leaders urged the believers to support the needy in their respective communities during this period.

Mbarara Catholic Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha, who led mass at our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral, Nyamitanga, said many people in this world need help but they are usu...