Kampala Archbishop Ssemogerere calls for peaceful, just and fair electotal process

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The Pontifical Christmas Mass at St Mary's Cathedral Lubaga in Kampala city was presided over by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere.

Delivering his homily during the Mass, Ssemogerere appealed to all Ugandans to preserve the country's peace and unity, which seems to be much threatened, even much more than ever during as the national elections draw closer.

"The new-born child Jesus is God's gift to the world. He is the Prince of Peace. Our country needs peace. Genuine peace is not mere absence of war. It is having a right relationship with God and with one another. Peace does not begin in Parliament, courts of law, or barracks, but in the human heart."

The Archbishop of Kampala His Grace Paul Ssemogerere sprinkling holy water onto Christians who turned up for the Christmas prayers at Lubaga Cathedral on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

State Minister for higher Education John Chrysestom Muyingo (left) sharing a light moment with NUP Presidential Candidates Robert Kyagulanyi (right) in the company of Barbie Kyagulanyi and their children. This was before start of the Christmas prayers at Lubaga Cathedral on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

"A nation cannot claim peace when people are living in fear, anxiety, and disunity. Society cannot flourish where fear replaces trust. Every human life is important; the poor person, the unemployed youth, the political opponents, all bear the image of God. So, no authority or security officer should degrade human rights and human dignity. Justice should not be selective but should be applied consistently without fear or favour. Uganda must never return to darkness."

Stop the excitement

Ssemogerere then asked Ugandans to avoid undue excitement and confrontation during the ongoing political campaigns and run up to the January 15, 2026, elections. 

"Our country is standing at a delicate and significant moment. As we prepare to go to the polls on January 15, we must remember that elections are not just political events but moral moments that remind us how we should relate and treat each other as civilised people. Emotions and tensions should be lowered. We urge our political leaders and candidates to put the nation above self-interests. Please speak words that heal not divide our people. We request you, the security agents, to do your duty with professionalism and in strict adherence to the law. Commit yourself to your duty of protecting the life, property and dignity of the people. To the Electoral Commission, please do your duty with transparency and fairness. Desist from manipulation rooted in fear and pride. Let all of us leaders exercise responsible leadership and commitment to the common good. We need leadership that inspires, not manipulates. Let's replace confrontation with dialogue, lawlessness with law, brutality with discussion. Our nation must remain at peace".

Address the challenges of the youth

Archbishop Ssemogerere also appealed to those in authority to address the contemporary challenges of the youths by availing them with education and employment opportunities, without which their hope and dignity is totally lost.

He urged the young people to refrain from dangerous habits, such as drug/substance abuse.

The Prelate of Lubaga also called for the strengthening and strict protection of the family institution, which he referred to as the basic unit of society, whose peace and stability also guarantees the peace and stability of the country.

NUP presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (3rd left) shaing a light moment with the Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga (right) before commencement of the Christmas prayers at Lubaga Cathedral on Thursday 25th December 2025. Kyagulanyi was in the company of his wife Barbie (left) and two of their children.

He further called for proper use of artificial intelligence/ICT, which he said can be harmful, particularly to the young people, and their families, if it is not regulated or censored.

"Information Technology has entered our homes. Let's make sure it doesn't replace our traditional family conversations and guidance. Let's ensure it is our servant, not our master. Don't allow it to displace parental guidance and moral formation," he said.

Authority is service

Ssemogerere also delivered a special message to the leaders: "Please remember that authority is service, power is accountability. Reject corruption, hatred, violence, and choose peace."

He ended his homily with a message of gratitude from Bishop Serverus Jjumba of Masaka Diocese, who thanked the Christians for praying for his detained priest, the Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira. Jjumba said the priest's issues were still being handled by court, but the diocese was relieved because his whereabouts are now known.

Go and cast your vote

During the same Pontifical mass, Buganda premier (Katikkiro) Charles Peter Mayiga delivered the Christmas message of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, who urged his subjects to go and cast their vote come January 15, but to vote wisely, for good leaders.

He asked the security men and women to respect the human dignity and human rights of Ugandans as they do their work.

The State Minister for higher Education John Chrysestom Muyingo (left) sharing a light moment with the Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga before commencement of the Christmas prayers at Lubaga Cathedral on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

He also asked the electoral commission to do it's work with integrity, not just pointing out a few mistakes made by some contenders. The Kabaka further asked his subjects to grow and preserve food, and also, to practice irrigation. He also asked security to hunt down and apprehend those who grab and murder children.

Remain calm

Higher education state minister Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo (who represented the central government), also appealed to Ugandans to remain calm as the country gets closer to the elections. 

"Our country is politically charged. There is a lot of tension. My request to all of you is: please remain calm. Refrain from hatred and hard talk. Don't character-assassinate your friend. Don't insult them. There is no need for you to stone or beat your friend. These are just elections which will end in one day, but the country has to continue." Muyingo said.

Muyingo asked parents to exercise financial discipline as they celebrate Christmas. He reminded them that even as they enjoy the festive season, they still have the task of paying school fees when the first term begins.

He further put it to the parents to give solid moral formation to their children, so that they become responsible and productive citizens and members of the church in the future.

The Christmas prayers were also graced by the NUP President, Robert Kyagulanyi, the Katikkiro Emeritus of Buganda Joseph Mulwanyammuli Ssemogerere, Prince David Wassajja and his wife Marion, Papal Knights, including Dr Saturninus Kasozi Mulundwa and William Mubiru, and several other dignitaries.