Calls for peace dominated this year’s Christmas prayers as Uganda prepares for the 2026 presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for January 15, 2026. In his sermon at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, Archbishop Dr. Steven Kaziimba Mugalu said Uganda’s national motto, “For God and My Country,” affirms God’s continued presence and protection over the nation.
“God is with us even in this time of this political season. Jesus is with us; He is walking with us. His presence comes with life,” Kaziimba-Mugalu said. He added, “Some days will be challenging days for you, but remember Emmanuel is with you. As we enter 2026, He is with us. God is with Uganda. For God and my country, whatever may come, God can’t forsake us. He can’t abandon us. His provision, protection, and promises are with us.”
The Archbishop called for the protection of human rights and human dignity, arguing for violence-free campaigns. In the past, security agencies have gained notoriety for beating and teargassing people attending political rallies of the National Unity Platform candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
“We should love one another despite our political and cultural differences because we are the same in Christ. We should use this Christmas to foster peace,” Kaziimba-Mugalu said.
At Namirembe Cathedral, the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Moses Banja, delivered a similar message, condemning violence that has characterized political campaigns. Banja said security personnel who beat people should use the birth of Jesus Christ as an opportunity to foster peace and harmony.
“We should be in peace and vote in peace; that is what the birth of Christ brings us. We should show love and mercy to everyone—that’s the only way we should be saved. We should avoid actions that take away our human rights. We should accept that it is God who chooses leaders, and we should accept that those who will have been elected are those God has chosen for us to be our leaders. I call upon everybody to participate in the coming elections, both in our country and the Church,” Banja said.
He added that the 2026 general election should be conducted in an environment of peace, where every person is free to express support for any candidate without fear. At St. Mary’s Cathedral, Lubaga, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere said rising emotions and tension often mark the final days before polling, urging restraint and calm. He said Christmas calls for calm, not escalation.
Addressing a packed cathedral with faithful from across the archdiocese and politicians from across the political divide, Ssemogerere urged peaceful expression of political views. He warned against violence, intimidation, and manipulation driven by fear, pride, or misinformation. Archbishop Ssemogerere said that while the Church supports no candidate, it speaks for values including peace, justice, truth, dialogue, and respect for human dignity.
In Fort Portal, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Kisembo of Ruwenzori Diocese urged Christians to desist from violence, abusive language, and hate speech in the upcoming general elections, warning that such acts threaten national unity and peace. Citing Exodus 18:21, the Bishop emphasized the importance of choosing leaders who are able, honest, and God-fearing, saying leadership should be anchored in integrity and service.
He also tasked security agencies to act professionally and avoid brutality, especially against members of the opposition, noting that denying Ugandans the opportunity to listen to opposition leaders undermines democracy. The Bishop further appealed to the youth to desist from violence and being used as instruments of chaos, urging them to become ambassadors of peace and development.
In Kigezi, the Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, also called for peace among political candidates and voters ahead of the 2026 general elections. While preaching at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Rugarama, in Kabale District, Bishop Akanjuna said elections are not new in the country and there is no justification for violence or feuds.He urged voters to maintain peace and choose leaders capable of advocating for improved service delivery in health, education, and infrastructure, while calling on security agencies to uphold law and order.
Bishop Akanjuna also encouraged Christians to use the Christmas season to spread love, unity, and generosity.
The Rt. Rev. Godfrey Mbitse, Bishop of Muhabura Diocese, appealed for peace while preaching during Christmas celebrations at St. Andrew’s Seseme Cathedral in Kisoro District. He urged voters to freely elect leaders of their choice based on their ability to deliver services.
From Bunyoro, Bishop Jacob Ateirweho of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese, preaching at Duhaga Cathedral in Hoima West Division, urged Ugandans to practice tolerance, respect one another, and place national peace above personal ambition. He emphasized that the true meaning of Christmas is rooted in peace, love, reconciliation, and forgiveness.
Bishop Vincent Kirabo of Hoima Catholic Diocese, preaching at Our Lady of Lourdes Bujumbura Cathedral in Hoima City, called on believers to embrace peace, unity, and protect citizens’ rights during the election period.
n Lira, Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok warned leaders—especially politicians—against manipulating the youth for personal gain.“They think if you manipulate this time, you will make Uganda better. But each time you manipulate, you make Uganda worse,” he said.
He also warned politicians against abandoning their electorates after elections.
This is not leadership. This is hatred and satanic. That’s why our politicians must be rooted in Christ; otherwise, we are wasting time,” he said, questioning whether Uganda’s politics has been overtaken by evil. He argued that the world needs more love and kindness, underscoring the need for peaceful elections.
The Bishop of Sebei Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Paul Masaba Kiptoo, called upon Christians to elect leaders who uphold godly values if the country is to achieve meaningful development. While delivering his Christmas message at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Kapchorwa on Wednesday, Bishop Kiptoo emphasized that leadership choices directly affect the wellbeing of the people.
Quoting Proverbs 29:2—“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan”—the Bishop said righteous leadership brings prosperity, while immoral leadership causes suffering. “For the nation to experience development and peace, leadership positions should be entrusted to people with godly values,” Bishop Kiptoo said. “Leaders who lack moral principles bring suffering, corruption, and injustice.”
He urged Christians not to sell their votes or be swayed by handouts, but to consider the long-term impact of their choices on future generations. He also called on leaders already in office to lead by example, promote unity, and serve with integrity. In Mbarara, Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha of the Archdiocese of Mbarara urged believers to reflect deeply on the significance of Christ’s coming amid challenges facing homes, communities, and the nation.
“We are called to embody the spirit of Christmas. This means embracing love beyond boundaries, sharing generously with those in need, and living with renewed faith and courage,” he said. He added that the birth of Christ should inspire Christians to be instruments of peace, comfort the lonely, feed the hungry, and seek justice for the vulnerable.
The Cathedral Council Chairperson, Gelevase Ndyanabo, said Catholic parishes in Mbarara Diocese would, in the new year, focus on gospel-centered projects aimed at alleviating poverty among parishioners. In Kawempe, Rev. Fr. Charles Kimbowa Junior, while delivering his Christmas homily at St. Balikudembe Kagoma Jinja Karoli Sub-parish, emphasized that the true meaning of Christmas lies in reception rather than external celebration.“ Christmas is not only celebrating; Christmas is receiving,” he said, urging Christians to go beyond material enjoyment.
Fr. Kimbowa described Christmas as a day of joy rooted in accepting Christ into one’s life, noting that Christmas marks God’s physical presence on earth for the first time. He explained that the word Christmas comes from Christ’s Mass, referring to the first Mass welcoming Christ into the world. Reflecting on the year, he encouraged Christians to acknowledge God’s presence through both successes and hardships, emphasizing that Christmas is a moment to renew faith, love, peace, and hope. He stressed that Christmas is not a fictional story, but a mystery of faith that calls believers to live transformed lives.
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