Religious leaders across the Karamoja Sub-region have called for unity, tolerance and genuine service to the people, amid rising political rhetoric and mounting economic pressures facing the region.
Thousands of Christian faithful thronged churches on Thursday to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, with special Christmas masses and services held nationwide.
The clergy used the occasion to preach messages of compassion, faith renewal, unity, peace, and reconciliation, while calling on leaders to prioritise the welfare of the people.
While leading Christmas at Good Shepherd Cathedral, Rev. Rev. Dominic Eibu of Kotido Catholic Diocese emphasized that the festive period presents an opportunity for the community to strengthen harmony, compassion and social cohesion.
The mass attended by over 500 Christians, including children was animated by the arsenal fans who presented several gifts to support the clergy.
In his message themed “Be one in Christ United in Mission”, the prelate said Christmas is not only a celebration of Christ’s birth, but a moment to renew relationships, strengthen faith, love for one another and build unity.
He said that in Christ, we are called to unity and to do God’s work both near and far, work for the common good while promoting love for one another and its prosperity so that we may have life in abundance.
“In the light of Christmas and in the light of the above theme of the message of Christmas this year 2025, let us be aware that the call of Christ to his disciples is not optional, not an optional thing but a command for our own good”, Bishop Eibu urged the congregation.
Quoting John Chapter 10 Verse 10, Bishop Eibu remined the faithful to be take charge of the peace and security of each other.
“God wants us to take charge of the security not only of our property and lives but also the security of the neighbor’s life and property. For example, when you see a person doing a wrong thing let’s be courageous to advise him or her not to do it because it adds no value to the loser of that piece of property yet also it makes the actor lose dignity in front of others. Festivities and elections sometimes are full of these”.
Rev. Fr. Charles Adei of Holy Cross Parish in Kaabong district highlighted the growing insecurity in Kaabong district and other parts of Karamoja over the recent past.
He said Kaabong district has in the past experienced insecurity and killings as well as robberies, which have made life challenging, even for the men of God.
Fr. Adei asked the people of Karamoja to allow Christ, who he described as King of Kings and a prince of peace to reign in their lives as they celebrate Christmas season.
“As we celebrate Christmas, let us open our hearts, our minds, that Christ may transform us with his goodness, so that each one of us as we live, we know that it is important to be at peace with one another, to be at peace with our neighbours”, he advised.
Fr. Adei noted that peaceful coexistence is critical for sustainable development and prosperity in Karamoja, a region ranked top with high poverty prevalence rate in the country.
In his discourse, the Bishop of Diocese of Karamoja, Rt. Rev. Reverend Michael Chero, cautioned Christians against turning Christmas to a mear “bread and wine festivities, “emphasising that Christmas season should centre on true meaning of birth of Jesus Christ.
He urged the congregation to reflect on the humility and sacrifice embodied in the nativity story rather than indulging in superficial celebrations.
“Christmas not about bread and wine festivities that don’t exemplify the birth of Jesus Christ, it’s time to emulate saviour’s humility, share love with the needy and renew faith,” said Bishop Ochero.
Meanwhile Rt. Rev. Simon Aisu Akol, the bishop of North Karamoja Diocese encouraged Christians to priority the acts of charity, such as support orphans, elderly, and windows, drawing parallels with the biblical story of the three wise men who brought gifts to Jesus in Bethlehem.
““If you have something to eat, do not eat it alone with your family. Let us remember our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate. We celebrate together because Christ came for all of us,” Bishop Aisu said.
The prelate also called on the people of Karamoja to embrace generosity and honesty, drawing parallels with the biblical story of the three wise men who brought gifts to Jesus in Bethlehem.
He encouraged the youth to shun raids and other and antisocial behavior, noting that they are vital agents of positive change in society.
The bishop reiterated the church the church’s commitment to promoting peace, unity and goodwill, calling on residents to celebrate the festive season in harmony.
