Church leaders across the country have used their New Year messages to call for peace, ask voters to resist bribery, intimidation, and warn security forces against brutalising Ugandans. Uganda heads to the polls on January 15, to elect a President, Members of Parliament (MPs), and local council leaders across cities, municipalities, and districts. In his New Year message, Bishop Charles Collins Andaku of Ma’di and West Nile Diocese, urged Christians and Ugandans at large to vote wisely and peacefully. ‘I pray that God gives us peaceful- free and fair elections in 2026. I appeal that every grown-up person should go and cast his or her vote wisely and peacefully,’ the Bishop said on the stroke of midnight.
The Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, better known as Bobi Wine, has endured a turbulent campaign period, which has seen him being denied access to some of his campaign venues, while several of his supporters remain incarcerated over campaign-related cases. B obi Wine’s visit to Arua City on November 20 was marked by use of tear gas as he was blocked by police from travelling through the town centre to open NUP party offices. Ms Sally Ayikoru, a resident of Awindiri Ward in Arua Central Division, describes the violence against the Opposition as ‘worrying’, and a pointer to a violent election. In Kampala City, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party representatives underscored political stability, freedom of worship and socioeconomic progress, and urged believers to safeguard the peace ahead of the polls.
At Pr Joseph Sserwadda’s Passover service at the Doxa Grounds in Lubowa, President Museveni, who was represented by the State minister for Gender and Culture, Ms Peace Mutuuzo, said before the NRM came to power, several believers were forced into hiding, but said the NRM government has restored freedom of worship. ‘Today, every Ugandan is free to worship without fear, and no one will be allowed to disturb the peace we currently enjoy,’ Mr Museveni said, and called on the Church to continue playing its role in national cohesion. Other politicians in attendance included Mr Ronald Balimwezo, the NUP party flag bearer for Kampala City mayoral race, and National Peasants Party presidential candidate Robert Kasibante.
Pr Sserwadda urged the believers to be discerning as the country heads into elections, saying promotion comes from God. At the Holy Passover Mass at Rubaga Cathedral, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere prayed for peaceful elections and encouraged Ugandans to report to their respective polling stations to choose their leaders. The Holy Mass, which commenced with Eucharistic adoration, was led by Rev Fr Anthony Musaala and attracted hundreds of Catholic faithful.
Stop brutality over national flag
Fr Musaala urged the security personnel to stop brutalising Ugandans carrying the national flag. He said the flag is a symbol of the people of Uganda and not merely a piece of cloth. ‘The flag belongs to the people, which is why we also have it in the Church,’ Fr Musaala said. He warned that when Ugandans are dishonoured and brutalised, the same is being done to the national flag. ‘We have bigger challenges in our country such as corruption, poor roads, and lack of medicines in health centres, which deserve more attention than fighting citizens carrying the national flag,’ Fr Musaala added. The Rev Fr Dr Pius Male Ssentumbwe, the chancellor of Kampala Archdiocese, urged Ugandans to vote based on candidates’ capabilities and ideas for developing the nation, rather than the financial rewards given to them.
‘You all witnessed the traffic on Masaka Road that affected both the rich and poor; everyone has one vote and if you give it to the right person, we shall have better services,’ he said. Archbishop Ssemogerere in his message delivered by Rev Fr Dr Pius Male, called on Ugandans to pray daily for peace, unity, and justice in the country as the nation prepares for the elections. The call for prayer comes amid reports of abductions, brutalisation of Opposition political supporters, and the recent arrests of Ms Sarah Bireete, a human rights activist, and the Rev Fr Deusdedit Ssekabira of Masaka Diocese. At Miracle Centre Cathedral in Rubaga, Kampala, thousands of Christians gathered for overnight prayers as Pr Robert Kayanja led them into ushering in the New Year.
Pr Kayanja said Christians should be determined to become more prosperous in 2026, while American evangelist, Pr Benny Hinn, joined the worshippers online, where he also shared a message of hope and peace ahead of the January 15 General Election. Both leaders emphasised peace for the country and favour and blessings for President Museveni ahead of the General Election, with Pastor Kayanja telling believers that Uganda is currently ‘the most peaceful country in the region’ and that freedom of worship has enabled the Church of Jesus Christ to expand. On his part, Pr Hinn said his prayer was that God visits Uganda, and for a blessed and peaceful election.
At Namirembe Cathedral, the retired Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Paul Moses Naimanhye, urged Ugandans to embrace forgiveness, renew their faith and let go of past grievances as they enter the New Year. Bishop Naimanhye, who preached on the theme: ‘Arise and Shine’, cautioned the believers against being misled or falling victim to politicians making unrealistic promises in the pursuit for votes. ‘People are looking for votes so they can be called Honourable and in the process are promising impossibilities. They are promising heaven on earth,’ he said. Leaders at Watoto Church in Downtown Kampala called upon Ugandans to embrace prayer and divine guidance as hundreds of believers gathered to welcome 2026.
Pr Gary Skinner, the Church’s founder, preached hope, peace, prosperity, and good health for Ugandans, and ministries to make the name of God a living testimony. He challenged the youths to expand God’s message to the communities. ‘It will not be how much money we have, our political power, or how small we feel, but if God is for us, who can be against us?’ Pr Skinner preached. ‘When we look at the elections, the chaos, corruption and confusion in Uganda, God has a dream to make Uganda a beautiful place.’ Pr Julius Rwotlonyo, the church ministries’ team leader, said this year will run under the theme: spirit-led, Spirit-empowered, Unstoppable.”
He prayed for Ugandans to be guided by the Holy Spirit more as the country heads into the elections. At Worship House Nansana in Wakiso District, Pr Wilson Bugembe prayed for Uganda’s upcoming elections, urging God not to allow “satanic and chaotic leaders” to take power.
“I urge the politicians who have come here for divine mercy as a point of contact to pray that the next leadership from LC1 to the President, the Lord God in heaven you will be part of it,” he prayed.
“You know the next leaders, but those kneeling before you and this congregetion have come asking for favour and victory in the areas they are contesting for, Pr Bugembe said. The December 31 crossover night ser vice, themed: “I see God in your House”, attracted several worshippers, includ ing contestants for parliamentary and council seats, among others. Mr Ronnie Makabai, the general over Weera Holy City Ministries, Bwerenga in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District, said he would not prophesise for fear of being misunderstood at a time when the country is going into a General Election.
“I usually prophesied as we usher in the New Year, but this time, I will not. Let’s just just pray that we have a peaceful election.”
He encouraged Ugandans to desist from witchcraft, saying it is the reason many are still stuck in poverty and other social challenges. In Mbale and neighbouring districts 21.6 million Voters. The number of people registered to vote in the 2026 General Election is 21,681,491, according to the Electoral Commission. Religious leaders called for peace ahead of the General Election. Bishop John Wilson Nandaah of Mbale Diocese al so called for peace during the General Election.
Bishop Samuel George Egesa of Bukedi Diocese underlined the need for peace, tolerance and national responsibility, and urged political leaders to uphold integrity as they canvass for votes. At St Paul Church of Uganda Mella in Bukedi Diocese, the Rev Philip Olem, asked the faithful to desist from hatred. “It isn’t by mistake that you have crossed to the New Year, but God had a purpose; therefore, don’t let God down by continuing to associate with evil,” he said.
Bishop Patrick Wakula of Central Bu soga Diocese called upon Ugandans to embrace peace, unity, and hard work. He also praised Christians for their contributions towards the construction of the Cathedral which is set to be completed this year.
Jinja City Mayor Peter Okocha Kasolo urged voters to scrutinise the candidates and not support those associated with land grabbing or long-standing land disputes in the city. He reminded the electorate that leadership is a public trust that demand integrity, accountability, and respect for the rights of ordinary citizens.
In Mbarara, Ankole Diocese’s Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa yesterday decried what he deemed the “over commercialisation of politics” ahead of the General Election. He warned that the practice is set to breed incompetent leaders who will only serve their own interests. Bishop Mwesigwa, who was delivering his New Year sermon at St James Cathedral in Ruharo, Mbarara City, said Uganda is faced with “too much love for money”, citing the way politicians are dishing out money to the electorate.
“You begin to wonder if these are going to serve or for business. The electorate needs to be careful and observant to elect quality leaders otherwise if you vote for money forget service delivery” he cautioned.