By Alexander Mackey Okori
Uganda’s Catholic Bishops have issued an appeal to the nation to confront growing political and social instability, warning that the country is “on the edge” and urging a return to values of justice, dialogue, and moral integrity ahead of the January 2026 General Elections.
In a detailed Christmas statement released on Wednesday, Rt. Rev. Joseph Antony Zziwa, Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda–Mityana Diocese, express deep concern about what they describe as “the painful realities of our time,” including rising torture, corruption, abuse of power, and increasing inequality.
He called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to assert firm control over the electoral process and urging security agencies to respect their constitutional mandate.
“This year’s Christmas, like the one five years ago, is special because it coincides with the run-up of January 2026 General Elections. The festive season carries a deeper meaning in times of political tension”, reads the statement.
In light of the ongoing political campaigns, the bishops observed that campaigns, by their nature, exert enormous pressure on social cohesion, public resources, peace, security and the national economy.
They are concerned that instead of fostering democratic competition, the campaigns have increasingly become polarizing, breeding fear, hostility and division among citizens.
The statement recalls the bishops’ March 2025 pastoral letter titled “The Truth Will Set You Free” (John 8:31–32), in which the Church outlined clear expectations for the electoral period.
Condemnation of violence and torture
The bishops condemned recurring unethical and criminal practices that have come to characterize elections in Uganda, both at national level and within political parties.
Among the key concerns raised were the existence of an unequal playing field for candidates, the orchestration of violence by politicians and their supporters, and the involvement of security agencies in partisan activities.
The bishops also highlighted the persistent anxiety, uncertainty and hopelessness that tend to accompany every election cycle, leaving many Ugandans disillusioned about the democratic process.
According to the bishops, while the current campaigns started off relatively peacefully, the situation has steadily worsened.
They expressed alarm at what they described as the increasing involvement of security agencies, including the army, in campaign-related violence, a development they say casts serious doubt on the credibility and integrity of the entire electoral process.
“Ugandans are already being treated to disturbing scenes of violent attacks on opposition supporters and some politicians by supposedly military and police personnel,” the statement reads. “These incidents have resulted in injuries and, in a few cases, deaths.”
The prelates further decried what they described as deliberate attempts to restrict the movement and campaign activities of certain contestants, warning that such actions fuel hatred and enmity among citizens while eroding public trust in the security forces that are meant to protect all Ugandans without discrimination.
“These acts contradict the spirit of Christmas, which calls for reconciliation among men and women, with God and with the rest of creation,” Bishop Zziwa said.
Beyond election violence, the bishops revisited broader social, economic and political challenges afflicting the country.
These include the illicit accumulation of wealth, jealousy, sectarianism, widening economic and social inequalities, and rampant unemployment, especially among the youth.
They lamented the erosion of religious and moral values, which they say has strained relationships at all levels of society, beginning with the family.
A call for Peace, Love and Reconciliation
In the face of these challenges, the bishops emphasized that Christmas offers an opportunity for renewal and conversion.
“Christmas signifies peace, love, reconciliation and personal conversion,” the statement noted, urging Ugandans to reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as a guide for personal and national transformation.
Drawing extensively from Scripture, the bishops reminded believers that love is not optional but a core demand of Christian faith.
They cited Jesus’ commandment to “love one another” (John 13:34–35), the parable of the Good Samaritan as a call to compassion (Luke 10:25–37), and Christ’s teaching on reconciliation before worship (Matthew 5:23–24).
They further referenced the Last Judgment (Matthew 25:31–46), where Christ identifies himself with the sick, the hungry, the homeless, prisoners, widows and orphans, emphasizing that true faith is expressed through care for the most vulnerable.
Old Testament teachings, particularly from Isaiah (58:1–14), were also cited as reminders that justice and care for the marginalized are central to genuine worship.
“Violence, hatred, jealousy, intolerance, avarice and other evils represent a departure from the commands given by our Lord,” the bishops warned, describing these vices as signs of a deeper moral and spiritual malaise within individuals and society.
They called on Ugandans to embrace repentance, forgiveness and conversion, assuring believers that God remains merciful and loving.
Quoting St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans (8:22–23), the bishops reflected on the suffering of creation and humanity as a consequence of sin, urging Christians to live by the Spirit and reject the “acts of the flesh” described in Galatians.
As the country edges closer to polling day, the bishops made a direct appeal to all stakeholders in the electoral process.
They urged the Electoral Commission to demonstrate effective control and independence, ensuring that elections are conducted in a free, fair and credible manner.
Respect for Law and Order
Security agencies were called upon to strictly adhere to their role of maintaining law and order, and to desist from any acts of violence that result in injury or loss of life.
“Such acts threaten our fragile democracy,” the statement cautioned, adding that perpetrators must be held accountable through internal disciplinary mechanisms or the courts of law.
Political contestants were reminded of their legal and moral responsibility to conduct peaceful campaigns and to abide by electoral laws and guidelines.
The bishops warned against rhetoric or actions that could inflame tensions and lead to conflict.
Voters, too, were urged to play their part responsibly by rejecting violence and bribery, listening critically to candidates’ messages, and making informed choices at the ballot box.
The bishops encouraged citizens to turn out in large numbers to vote for leaders who will serve with integrity and commitment to the common good.
The statement also reflected on the Jubilee Year 2025, declared by Pope Francis in 2024, thanking God for guiding the Church through the special period of spiritual renewal.
The bishops commended the faithful for participating in pilgrimages and faith-strengthening activities, expressing hope that the graces received would illuminate their paths as Uganda enters 2026.
They invited Catholics across the country to solemnly mark the conclusion of the Holy Year at their cathedrals and places of worship on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Globally, the Jubilee Year will officially conclude on January 6, 2026, when Pope Leo XIV leads a special liturgy in Rome.
