Soroti Catholic Diocese has issued a strong directive prohibiting all pastoral agents, including catechists and members of Parish Pastoral Councils from engaging in active partisan politics, warning that such involvement is incompatible with their pastoral responsibilities and service to the people of God.
In a notice dated August 19, 2025, signed by the Catechists’ Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Daniel Moses Oreet and the Pastoral Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Samuel Ebietu Echelu, the diocese clarified its position following consultations with the Ordinary of the Diocese.
The directive emphasizes the need to safeguard impartiality and pastoral integrity within the Church’s structures, citing Scripture: “You cannot serve two masters at once” (Mt. 6:24).
The letter, addressed to all parish priests, catechists and members of Parish Pastoral Councils within the Soroti Catholic Diocese, highlighted that participation in partisan politics threatens to compromise the impartial mission of pastoral agents.
According to the diocese, catechists and other leaders in the Church are entrusted with guiding the faithful in unity and service, roles which could be undermined if they become entangled in the divisive nature of politics.
“Engagement of pastoral agents in active partisan politics is incompatible with the impartial and pastoral role of catechists and members of the Parish Pastoral Council in the service of the People of God,” the letter stated.
The notice further directed that any catechist or member of the Parish Pastoral Council wishing to participate in active politics, such as vying for elective office or campaigning for political positions, must formally resign from their current roles in the Church.
“He or she is obliged to formally resign from the current position of ministry or leadership in the Church,” the directive reads, adding that such resignation should be submitted in writing through the Parish Priest to the diocesan office.
This provision underscores the Diocese’s commitment to ensuring that pastoral leadership remains free from political bias, maintaining the Church as a neutral ground where all faithful can feel equally served regardless of political affiliation.
The diocese instructed all parish priests to communicate the directive widely to catechists and members of Parish Pastoral Councils within their parishes and to ensure strict adherence to it.
The decision comes at a time when political activity in Uganda is gaining momentum ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. Observers note that the Church’s stance is intended to shield pastoral leaders from being drawn into partisan divides that often characterize Uganda’s political environment.
By keeping catechists and Parish Pastoral Council members away from political contests, the diocese hopes to preserve their credibility as spiritual leaders and servants of the community.
The directive also echoes the universal Catholic Church’s long standing principle that while the Church encourages civic responsibility and voter participation among the faithful, those serving in pastoral capacities must refrain from direct political involvement to safeguard their moral authority.
Pastoral agents such as catechists and Parish Pastoral Council members play a vital role in the evangelizing mission of the Church.
They are tasked with catechizing, supporting parish administration and fostering Christian unity at the grassroots level.
Their impartiality is therefore essential in ensuring that the Church remains a space of spiritual growth and inclusivity.
The Soroti Catholic Diocese, through this directive, has reaffirmed that its priority is the pastoral and spiritual welfare of the faithful, rather than political gain.
By drawing a clear line between ministry and partisan politics, the diocese is ensuring that pastoral agents remain committed to their vocation of service without compromise.
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Then the church is most likely to have a big gap, because almost aquater of the catechist are in the positions of lc1, lcii, then councilors.