A Catholic priest under the Soroti Catholic Diocese has called on political leaders in Uganda to return to Christ as the true source of leadership and unity.
Rev. Fr. Jorem Ssebayiga made the passionate appeal on Sunday while celebrating Mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish Soroti (ICCPS), where he urged politicians to allow themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit in their leadership responsibilities.
“The Holy Spirit will teach you how to lead the people of God,” Fr. Ssebayiga said. “If you don’t pray, your leadership tone and focus will fall apart. Ask the Holy Spirit to keep you united and anchored in God. The Church is one, holy, apostolic, use the Church to unite the people.”
His remarks come at a time when political tensions and public concern about governance are rising, especially following controversial moves regarding the role of military courts.
Addressing the congregation after Mass, Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo Acom expressed disappointment with members of parliament affiliated to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for allegedly undermining the Supreme Court’s ruling on the trial of civilians in military courts.
“It is with disappointment that MPs associated with the NRM have defiled the Supreme Court ruling and handed powers back to the court martial,” said Alobo.
“Effectively, they have handed the country over to the army. Uganda is bleeding, and we are sliding into military rule.”
Alobo called on the Church to pray for the nation and its leaders, adding that divine intervention is urgently needed to save the country from what she described as a “constitutional backslide.”
Former Soroti City East MP and current Deputy Treasurer General of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Moses Okia Attan, also attended the Mass.
He echoed concerns about the current state of governance and the worsening living conditions in Teso Sub-region.
“We have consistently called on the government to uplift the livelihoods of our people,” Attan said.
“Teso has effectively graduated into poverty due to prolonged neglect and poor leadership.”
Attan urged the government to urgently fix gaps in leadership, warning that continued socio-economic marginalization could lead to long-term instability.
Despite the criticism, Attan praised the people of Teso for their resilience and love for their homeland.
He pledged that the FDC would continue to stand with the people and advocate for meaningful change.
As a show of solidarity and support, the FDC donated 70 bags of cement CEM I for the construction of Regina Caeli Cathedral and 35 bags cement which were also handed over to Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish Soroti.
“This is a small token to support the Church’s development projects and demonstrate our commitment to the spiritual and material wellbeing of our people,” Attan noted.
The Sunday Mass, which drew a large crowd of believers and local leaders, served as both a spiritual renewal and a political sounding board.
The messages delivered from the pulpit and podium highlighted the growing convergence between faith and politics in Uganda, especially as the country gears up for the 2026 general elections.
As Rev. Fr. Ssebayiga concluded the Eucharistic celebration, he reminded the congregation that leadership is a sacred responsibility that must be rooted in divine truth and service.
“Return to Christ,” he said. “Only then can you lead with justice, love, and integrity.”
The event concluded with a prayer for national unity, peaceful leadership, and improved livelihoods for the people of Teso and Uganda at large.
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