The Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, has issued a warning against electoral violence as Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections.
The Bishop stressed that leaders must embrace peace and unity, reminding them that political power is meaningless if it comes at the cost of human life.
The Bishop made the remarks on Sunday during celebrations to mark the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle at Koloin Catholic Parish in Ngora District.
The colorful event drew Christians, cultural leaders, and political figures from across the Teso Sub-region.
In his homily, Bishop Eciru spoke about the dangers of electoral violence, urging politicians and their supporters to embrace peaceful campaigns.
“It is shameful to be a leader to the dead. Leadership is not about shedding blood but about protecting life and fostering harmony among people. As we prepare for the 2026 elections, I call upon all Ugandans, politicians, voters, and the youth, to reject violence and instead build a culture of tolerance,” the Bishop said.
He further cautioned against divisive rhetoric and hate speech that often polarize communities during election periods.
He noted that genuine leadership should be anchored in service, humility, and a desire to uplift citizens rather than exploit them.
Bishop Eciru’s message was particularly directed at politicians seeking office in 2026.
He challenged them to lead by example, reminding them that power is entrusted for service, not for sowing chaos.
“Our country needs leaders who protect lives, not those who destroy them. Politicians must remember that elections are temporary contests, but communities remain. Let no one use the youth as tools of violence,” he emphasized.
The Bishop also urged young people to resist manipulation by political actors who exploit them during campaigns.
Instead, he called on them to focus on education, hard work, and constructive participation in nation-building.
In her remarks at the same celebration, Ngora District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Stella Apolot Isodo, commended Bishop Eciru for his visionary leadership in the Soroti Catholic Diocese.
She particularly highlighted his efforts in advancing education, health, and livelihoods in Teso since his appointment in 2019.
“Bishop Eciru has gone beyond his spiritual mandate by prioritizing development initiatives that directly touch the lives of our people. His emphasis on education, health services, and community empowerment has given hope to many families in this region. We are blessed to have him at the helm of Soroti Diocese,” MP Isodo stated.
The legislator noted that the Church under Bishop Eciru has spearheaded projects aimed at uplifting communities, including agricultural programs, youth skills training, and the strengthening of Catholic-founded schools.
She added that such initiatives complement government efforts to eradicate poverty and empower citizens, underscoring the critical role of faith-based institutions in development.
The celebration at Koloin Parish highlighted the growing partnership between the Church and political leaders in addressing the challenges facing the Teso region.
For decades, the Catholic Church has played a central role in shaping the social and moral fabric of society, while also providing essential services in education, health, and community mobilization.
Hon. Isodo emphasized that the Church remains an indispensable ally in fostering peace and development.
She pledged to continue collaborating with faith leaders to ensure that government programs reach the grassroots population.
“When the Church and government work hand in hand, transformation becomes possible. The Bishop’s voice carries moral authority, and his call for peaceful elections should guide us all as leaders and citizens,” she said.
Parishioners at Koloin Catholic Parish welcomed the Bishop’s message with loud applause, saying it came at a critical moment as political activity begins to intensify ahead of 2026.
Many expressed concern that past elections in Uganda have sometimes been marred by tension, and they urged both politicians and the electorate to heed the Bishop’s call.
Local leaders present at the event echoed similar sentiments, pledging to champion peace and unity in their communities.
They praised the Bishop for reminding both leaders and citizens of the moral responsibility to safeguard lives during elections.
As Uganda prepares for another election season, Bishop Eciru’s appeal for peace serves as a timely reminder of the need to put human dignity above political ambition.
His warning that “it is shameful to be a leader to the dead” has struck a chord in Teso, where communities have in the past experienced the painful consequences of violence and disunity.
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