The Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, has issued appealed to Uganda’s political leaders and the faithful to live lives that truly reflect God’s will, urging them to use their resources for the good of the Church, the nation, and humanity.
He made the call today while presiding over the belated Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Parish in Kachumbala, Bukedea District.
The Mass drew hundreds of Christians, local leaders, and clergy from across the region who gathered to honor the legacy of the Ugandan Martyrs and renew their commitment to faith.
In his homily, Bishop Eciru reminded politicians that their calling to leadership is also a call to serve God and His people faithfully.
He challenged them to act as God’s representatives in all they do, to be models of integrity and compassion, and to resist the temptation of using their wealth or political power to harm the Church or the country.
“Wherever you go, whatever you do, represent God,” the Bishop urged. “Do not use your resources against the Church and the country. Instead, use them to build, to heal, to promote peace and justice. Sadly, some wealthy individuals have used their riches to fight the Church and divide the nation.”
He warned that material wealth should not become a tool for sowing division, corruption, or undermining moral values.
He pointed out that true prosperity lies not in amassing wealth at any cost but in living in a manner that pleases God.
“It will be painful not to be called on the Day of the Resurrection,” he said somberly. “Do good, not evil. Live holy lives, proclaim God’s word, and be ready for that final day when God calls His faithful.”
Bishop Eciru also called on families to cultivate holiness at home.
He challenged parents, students, and children to become “saintly” in their daily lives.
“Be saintly parents, be saintly students, be saintly children so that you may proclaim God’s word. Hunger to speak and do good. Be peacemakers,” he said.
Drawing on the Gospel, he stressed that God is seeking true worshippers who honor Him in spirit and in truth, adding that faith is not mere ritual but a way of life marked by truthfulness, compassion, and service.
“Stand firm in faith, saying God is looking for those who worship Him in Spirit and truth. Let us not pay lip service to our faith while living contrary to it,” he told the congregation.
The Bishop also addressed pressing social and economic challenges facing local communities, singling out the misuse of government development programs.
He expressed concern over reports of people wasting Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, money meant to fight poverty, on drinking alcohol instead of investing in productive enterprises.
“It is a waste of government resources and time when PDM funds meant to help people escape poverty are squandered on drinking,” he said.
“Let us use what is given to us wisely, for the benefit of our families, our communities, and our country.”
He called on local leaders to strengthen accountability and ensure that government programs reach the intended beneficiaries.
At the same time, he urged citizens to embrace personal responsibility and avoid practices that keep them trapped in poverty and dependency.
In a separate address, the parish leadership thanked the Bishop for his spiritual guidance and pledged to promote peace, unity, and moral renewal within the parish.
They called on the faithful to emulate the Uganda Martyrs, whose courage and faith remain a source of inspiration for generations.
Uganda Martyrs Day, usually commemorated on June 3, celebrates the memory of 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican converts who were executed in the late 19th century for their faith.
The Martyrs are revered as national heroes who stood firm in their beliefs despite persecution.
Bishop Eciru reminded the faithful that the Martyrs’ example is not a relic of history but a living call to moral courage, faithfulness, and service to God and neighbor in today’s world.
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