Soroti catholic bishop warns politicians against electoral malpractices
Otaya urged citizens to respect and honour their leaders, reminding them of biblical teachings on authority.
Church leaders as they received offertories from Abubukar Jeje Odongo, the minister of foreign affairs, and Jesca Alupo, the VP of Uganda. (Credit: Harbert Paul Eyoku)
SOROTI - Soroti Catholic Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach has urged politicians to be servants of the people and warned them against electoral malpractice as the country heads toward the 2026 General Election.
Eciru made the call while presiding over a Holy Mass to mark the official closure of the Jubilee Year celebrations for the diocese that was held at Fr Hilder’s Primary School playgrounds in Soroti.
The celebration drew thousands of faithful from across various districts of Teso region.
This year’s jubilee celebration was held under the theme: Pilgrims of Hope, with much emphasis on faith, integrity, and renewal of both spiritual and public life.
At least 250 pilgrims walked on foot from the districts of Kaberamaido and Kalaki in a symbolic journey of prayer and reflection, culminating in the final jubilee mass held in Soroti on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Eciru addressed the political class, urging leaders and those aspiring for political offices to uphold justice, truth, and respect for the will of the people.
“Be servants of the people, guided by conscience, love, and respect for human dignity," he added.
The bishop emphasised that elections should be a time for renewal and unity, not division, adding that Uganda’s future depends largely on leaders who respect democratic principles and the rule of law.
The Jubilee closing ceremony was also dedicated as a special day of prayers for all contesting political candidates ahead of the 2026 elections.
Eciru also urged the faithful to pray that those seeking leadership positions may be guided by wisdom, humility, and a genuine desire to serve.
The function attracted a wide range of national and local leaders, including Vice-President Jessica Alupo, foreign affairs minister Gen. Jeje Odongo, Teso Affairs minister Clement Kenneth Ongalo Obote and fisheries state minister Hellen Adoa.
Others included Soroti City Woman Member of Parliament Joan Alobo Acom, Gweri County MP Julius Ekudo, Kioga North MP James Olobo, and Kapelebyong Woman MP Jacinta Atuto, among others. In attendance was also the Kumam cultural leader Raphael Otaya.
Obey the authorities
Addressing the congregation, Otaya urged citizens to respect and honour their leaders, reminding them of biblical teachings on authority.
Quoting Romans 13:1–13, Otaya said all governing authorities are established by God and should be respected.
“Anyone who disobeys lawful authority disobeys God. Let us give our leaders respect and honour, be humble and promote peace in our communities”, Otaya said.
Alupo encouraged the Christians to remain hopeful and responsible in their daily lives, especially as the country approaches a politically active period.
Vice President Jesca Alupo, Abubakar Odongo Jeje, the minister of foreign affairs and Hellen Adoa, minister of fisheries, as they delivered offertories. (Credit: Harbert Paul Eyoku)
She urged parents and guardians to prioritise education for all children, describing it as a foundation for national development. Alupo also urged Ugandans to live responsibly, promote unity, and celebrate cultural and religious events in moderation.
“As Christians, we must live with hope, discipline, and responsibility. Let us carry forward the same responsible spirit we demonstrated during the Christmas season as we enter the New Year,” Alupo said.
Others speak out
Joyce Atai used the function to offer her first salary after she got her job in the jubilee year.
She said this was her dedication to God for what He has done to her, as she encouraged the people to keep always be in prayer.
Meanwhile, Denis Okwii from Ngora, who also attended the celebration, said he had walked all his life through the jubilee year and decided to pray to God since this was his first time to have such a function.
One of the youths from St. Joseph’s Catholic parish, Kamidakan in Kalaki district, Scholastica Abolo, applauded Bishop Eciru for guiding the church.
She said many youths had turned away from God, but Bishop Eciru had made many turn and listen to the word of God.