Former Archbishop challenges Masindi leaders to serve with integrity, shun corruption

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Former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rt Rev. Stanley Ntagali, has called upon leaders in Masindi to diligently serve their constituents and strongly avoid corruption, which he said has derailed the country.

"Serve your people who have given you confidence. As you serve, be the light, because all people, in different categories, are awaiting your service. Don't be selfish, and always be there for them, as you will eventually be accountable to them," Ntagali stated on May 16, 2026, during a thanksgiving ceremony for Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha, Member of Parliament for Bujenje County, held at Kabango Parish Church of Uganda in Masindi district.

Ntagali further admonished Masindi leaders to embody godliness in all their actions if they aspire to be effective leaders.

Bujenje County Member of Parliament Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha and his wife arriving for his thanksgiving and wedding anniversary celebration. (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)

Retired Bishop of Masindi Kitara Diocese, Rt. Rev. George William Kasangaki Asiimwe also challenged elected leaders in Masindi district to adequately represent their constituents by ensuring that issues affecting their lives are addressed.

"As you go to Parliament, we request you to continue focusing on representing the people. Make sure issues affecting the people are presented on the floor of Parliament. Take all people's needs to Parliament," he urged, adding that Ugandans yearn for a country free from corruption.

Wilson Nkuuna Turumanya, retired Bishop of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese, urged elected leaders not to take the trust bestowed upon them by the people for granted, challenging them to prioritise service delivery.

He further advised them to always put God first in their endeavours and to embrace salvation for a better life.

The event also marked Nyendwoha's 12th wedding anniversary, during which he renewed his vows with his wife, Esther Nyendwoha.

In his sermon, Joshua Kugonza, Bishop of Masindi Kitara Diocese, commended Nyendwoha for his godliness and for celebrating his matrimonial anniversary, noting that many people often wait for 25 or 50 years.

He emphasised that there is no specific time for thanking God and celebrating an anniversary, as it can be done at any moment.

He challenged Masindi leaders to always live a godly life and to exhibit compassion and humility towards the people who empower them.

"When you have compassion and are humble, God will bless you more, and you will achieve what you never expected. You will also be able to sustain your marriage. Always bear with one another and forgive each other. Where there's patience and humility, there's progress," Kugonza preached, also advising women to be humble and avoid harassing their spouses, especially in politics, as it can psychologically affect them.

He further called upon elected leaders to always prioritise God, serve the people and love their families.

Nyendwoha, who earlier this year was voted for a second term under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag by Bujenje County constituents, pledged to prioritise service delivery and remain people-centred during his tenure.

He promised to focus significantly on improving access to health centres by ensuring that lower health facilities are upgraded.

"I also need to focus on improving accessibility to schools by ensuring that sub-counties without seed schools have one. My focus will be on the construction of major roads connecting Masindi to other districts, access to safe water, and electricity," he stated, calling upon the people of Bujenje and other leaders to support him, as he cannot achieve all the necessary services alone.

NBujenje County Member of Parliament Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha and his wife pose for a photo with the prelates, Joshua Kugonza, Bishop of Masindi Kitara Diocese (Extreme left), retired Archibishop Rt Rev. Stanley Ntagali (2L), Masindi Kitara Diocese retired Bishop George William Kasangaki (2R) and Wilson Nkuuna Turumanya, retired Bishop of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese (R). (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)

Thousands of voters in Bujenje thronged Kabango Parish Church in Kabango town council to celebrate Kiiza's election and swearing-in.

Some constituents who spoke to New Vision expressed their desire for their Member of Parliament to address fluctuating sugarcane prices, establish secondary schools in hard-to-reach areas, lobbying for equipment and infrastructure for government-aided secondary schools, and to play a key role in ensuring that roads beyond the district's capacity are taken over by the Ministry of Works.

The ceremony was attended by the Member of Parliament for Buruli County, Aled Ronald Akugizibwe, who urged voters to give leaders enough time to adequately serve the people.

"Desist from frequently changing leaders. Give leaders time so that they are able to deliver. The more years you serve, the more experience, exposure, and network you gain," said Akugizibwe, who was also reelected in the concluded national elections for a second term as MP.

Steven Aseera Itaza, Member of Parliament for Buhaguzi West in Kikuube district, asked voters and elected leaders in Masindi to set aside differences and focus on working for the people.

"Politics ended; now let the leaders work. Let's put away all differences and support the leaders to work for their constituencies," he advised.