Rev. Fr. Marcel Ajoket, the Parish Priest of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Parish, Dakabela, and Director of Social Communications (SSOCCOM) for Soroti Catholic Diocese, has vowed to continue speaking against dishonesty and manipulative leadership, stressing that truth must remain the cornerstone of society.
During his homily in the Sunday mass, Fr. Marcel firmly cautioned both leaders and citizens against the culture of deceit that undermines trust and genuine service.
He noted that many leaders tend to exploit their positions for personal gain by deceiving ordinary people with temporary handouts such as money, salt or soap, instead of offering genuine service and leadership.
“Leaders should speak the truth. Leaders should lead with truth and not come down to deceive the local people with small amounts of money, salt, and soap,” Fr. Marcel said.
“They should not use people as a ladder. For a short time you may use the ladder to rise, but afterwards you forget about the ladder. This is unfair.”
He emphasized that such practices reduce leadership to manipulation, erode trust and ultimately betray the dignity of the very people who put their hope in leaders.
Fr. Marcel went further to challenge ordinary citizens not to fall victim to short-term gifts or political promises.
He urged people to value truth and integrity more than temporary benefits.
“People should not accept to be deceived for small things,” he stressed. “You may receive something today, but tomorrow you are forgotten.
What matters most is standing for the truth, because in truth there is freedom and dignity.”
His message resonates at a time when communities continue to grapple with leadership challenges, especially during election seasons where manipulation of the poor often takes center stage.
Drawing inspiration from Scripture, Fr. Marcel referred to the prophet Jeremiah as a model for courage and resilience in defending truth, even amidst suffering.
He reminded Christians that those who stand for truth often face rejection, persecution, and misunderstanding.
“If you are speaking the truth, God will always save you like He saved Jeremiah,” he said. “People should always speak the truth, but they must be ready to face the price, just as Jeremiah did.”
He acknowledged that truth tellers are often unpopular in society because their words expose hidden wrongs and challenge systems of corruption.
“People who speak the truth are not loved,” he remarked. “But we should never stop speaking it, because truth is the light that sets people free.”
As Director for Social Communications in Soroti Diocese, Fr. Marcel also highlighted the responsibility of leaders in shaping the moral fabric of society.
He explained that leaders, whether political, religious, or community-based, are entrusted with guiding people towards justice, fairness, and the common good.
“When leaders embrace truth, they bring hope and stability,” he noted. “But when they choose deception, they weaken society. We cannot build a strong nation by climbing on others like ladders. True leadership uplifts everyone, not just the leader.”
He challenged leaders to embrace accountability, transparency, and service rather than selfish gain, noting that the credibility of any leader is rooted in how they treat the people they serve.
He concluded his homily by calling upon Christians to be bold in defending what is right, even when it comes with sacrifice. “Let us never fear to stand for the truth,” he urged.
“Because in the end, it is truth that brings us closer to God and it is truth that sustains the dignity of humanity.”
Fr. Marcel’s message stands as a timely reminder in today’s world where corruption, dishonesty, and exploitation often overshadow the values of truth and integrity.
His vow never to stop challenging manipulation not only strengthens his role as a spiritual leader but also as a moral voice for the wider community.
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