Why some politicians oppose mixing religion with politics

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OPINION

By Dr Josue Okoth

Religion, when rightly applied, can be a powerful force in politics. It appeals to the emotional and moral foundations of communities and can unite people toward national goals.

Politicians can effectively use religion to mobilise support, strengthen national identity, and foster cooperation in implementing government programs.

Although religion is often seen as a personal matter between an individual and God, it inevitably shapes society’s values and influences political debates on issues such as social justice, economic equity, and morality.

The principle of separating religion from politics is often interpreted as keeping faith-based morality out of public affairs. While this separation helps safeguard both religious freedom and political stability, it has also created tension between politicians and religious institutions.

A politician’s faith inevitably influences how he or she approaches leadership and public service, especially in a society like Uganda, where religion holds great influence.

Unfortunately, Uganda’s political landscape is marred by malpractice. Many politicians exploit voters’ poverty and ignorance, openly distributing money and goods despite legal prohibitions.

The cost of participating in politics is also prohibitively high, with parliamentary candidates required to pay three million shillings and presidential candidates twenty million, leaving leadership largely in the hands of the wealthy. As a result, capable leaders without financial resources are sidelined.

Initially, government policies sought to empower marginalised groups, women, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities through special parliamentary representation.

However, what began as a temporary measure has evolved into a system where certain individuals have entrenched themselves in power.

Some women MPs, for example, have remained in Parliament since the policy’s inception. Economic empowerment and commercialisation of politics have made it nearly impossible for new entrants to compete.

In this environment, politics has gradually weakened religion not by design, but through practice.

Patronage, bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, electoral fraud, and other corrupt acts have become commonplace. Each act of corruption involves both a giver and a receiver, eroding moral values on both sides.

Yet, religion remains a powerful change agent. Faith can mobilise voters, inspire reform, and shape political platforms.

The Bible reminds us that all political authority ultimately comes from God (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:13–14). Therefore, rather than distancing religion from politics, religious leaders should take an active role in restoring integrity to public life.

Any reform of Uganda’s electoral system should begin with faith-based institutions.

Religious leaders must take a firm stand against corruption, calling out bribery and patronage as sins. Kenya offers a good example, where churches rejected government donations that would have compromised their moral authority.

Religious leaders, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:3–5, must first cleanse themselves of hypocrisy before guiding others.

With more than 85% of Ugandans identifying as Christians, religion has the potential to transform the nation’s political culture. By promoting honesty, justice, and service, faith can help rebuild trust in leadership and ensure that politics truly serves the people.

Dr Okoth Josue is a concerned citizen and Christian.
Email: okothjosue@yahoo.com