Embracing Jesus will ensure peaceful elections, says Bishop Ateirweho

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Bunyoro Kitara Bishop Jacob Ateirweho has urged Ugandans to embrace Jesus Christ as the foundation for maintaining peace in the country, especially during the political season, which will climax with the General Election in January 2026. 

Speaking at the Bishop's house in Duhaga cell, Hoima city, on December 23, 2025, where he delivered his 2025 Christmas message, Ateirweho said Jesus, the Prince of Peace, must be at the centre of political contests and national unity.

Referencing Isaiah 9:6: To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, the bishop connected the scripture to Uganda's current political climate, saying, "we need to embrace Christ in our country, especially today, as we are in this political era where people are seeking support for the different political positions. We need peace, God is the one who will give us peace in this country. For those who are contesting, you need Jesus, the supporters you need Jesus if we are to have peace during the elections."

Ateirweho also directed his message to political candidates, reminding them that divine authority underpins human leadership. 

"We want to thank you for showing interest in leading us, but leadership comes from God, it is Him who chooses leaders. So, if you have lost the election, accept that God has not chosen me to lead this time and do not lose hope," he said.

It pleases God to live in peace

He also appealed to all Ugandans, saying: "Let us strive for peace, let us live at peace with one another, it pleases God if we live at peace with one another."

Addressing widespread anxieties about post-election stability, the bishop drew a parallel between the disciples' fears after Christ's crucifixion and modern Ugandan concerns. 

"When Jesus resurrected, when he showed himself to his disciples, he said 'peace be with you', so God desires his people to live at peace with one another," he said, adding: "Disciples were worried because their master had died, so they were not at peace, they were fearing what would happen thereafter. I think even us Ugandans, we are asking many question: What is going to happen? How will the election be? What will be our fate after election? Shall we have peace? So, it's us who are going to preserve the peace."

With the General Election of January 15, 2026, fast approaching, Ateirweho also warned against divisive behaviour.

"Elections comes and end, soon the January election will end, and we will continue living together as we are brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, we children of God, some of us are even related by blood, election should not separate us." 

He condemned violence and slander.

In his Christmas message, the bishop urged Christians in his diocese to honour Christ's birth authentically. 

He was concerned that some believers "celebrate Christmas by ingraining evil acts such as theft, Alcoholism, sexual immorality and fighting among others", instead of glorifying God. 

"Jesus was born to save his people from the sin," Ateirweho said, adding that meaningful celebration requires alignment with Christ's mission: "Christmas is not all about eating and drinking, it is about accepting Jesus in our lives as our lord and saviour, which is what brought him."