The Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Rev Canon Prof Grace Lubaale, has appealed to security agencies to act professionally during the election period and allow candidates from all political parties to campaign freely, warning that blocking politicians from reaching voters undermines the democratic process.
Delivering his Christmas message on Monday December 22, 2025, at Christ Cathedral Bugembe, Bishop Lubaale said the primary role of security agencies during elections should be to protect lives, not restrict political activity.
‘I watch television and see security claiming to promote peace, yet sometimes they end up causing insecurity. Their professionalism at this stage should be to protect and guard the lives of those campaigning, not to block them from delivering their message,’ he said.
The bishop cautioned that preventing candidates from campaigning in certain areas compromises electoral fairness.
‘If you block people from campaigning in places like Katakwi, you are actually rigging the election. Security should facilitate politicians to reach the electorate so that voters can make informed decisions,’ he added.
He emphasised that campaigns give voters an opportunity to listen to all candidates and assess their plans for the country.
‘We are ready to watch, listen attentively to all politicians, and make informed decisions because the future of Uganda and our families lies in the leaders we choose, the President, Members of Parliament, and councillors for the next five years,’ Prof Lubaale said.
Christmas call for transformation
In his Christmas message, Bishop Lubaale called on Christians to allow the birth of Christ to bring genuine transformation in their personal lives and in society.
‘The birth of Christ should be transformative in our lives. There should be a clear difference between this Christmas and the previous ones,’ he said.
He challenged families and communities to embrace reconciliation and end domestic mistreatment.
‘Those who divorce should reconcile where possible. Men who have been mistreating their wives must stop. The birth of Christ should give us a new beginning,’ he said.
Quoting Luke 2:10-11, the bishop reminded believers of the hope Christ brings amid political and social challenges.
‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.’
He encouraged Christians to participate peacefully in the civic process by exercising their constitutional rights responsibly.
‘Listen carefully, read and evaluate the manifestos of candidates, and make decisions guided by Christian values of justice, integrity, and peace,’ he urged.
Stewardship and Church leadership
In a related development, Bishop Lubaale, while presiding over his first Mass on Sunday at Christ Cathedral Bugembe since his enthronement as the fourth Bishop of Busoga, emphasised that stewardship is rooted in service rather than personal gain.
‘You are given an office to serve God’s people, not to serve yourselves,’ he said, warning against the misuse of church resources and authority.
‘The money and property of the Church do not belong to individuals; they belong to the people of God. Those who are unwilling to act responsibly will be held accountable.’
The bishop further cautioned individuals who may have illegally benefited from church property to return it voluntarily.
‘If you have taken any property belonging to this Church, prepare to hand it back in good faith before you are embarrassed,’ he warned.
He noted that the Church owns about 50 acres of land that should be put to productive use for the development of both the Church and the surrounding community. He also called on church leaders unwilling to work to step aside and allow people of integrity to serve.
Meanwhile, Jinja Resident City Commissioner Richard Gulume Balyaino raised concerns about insecurity within communities. He urged the public to remain vigilant, be cautious of unfamiliar individuals, and report any suspicious activity to security authorities promptly.