Soroti bishop condemns corruption, urges Ugandans to turn to God
“The corruption we are talking about is because people are Christians by mouth, but their hearts are terribly rotten. That is why some people have more than they need, while others have less than they need,” says Bishop Kosea Odongo of Soroti.
The Anglican Bishop of Soroti Diocese, Kosea Odongo urged the country’s leaders to rely on God in the fight against corruption and promote fairness in society. (Photos by Godfrey Ojore)
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The Anglican Bishop of Soroti Diocese, Kosea Odongo, has called on Ugandans to turn to God and embrace integrity, saying corruption and other social evils stem from the growing gap between professed Christian values and people’s actions.
Preaching to hundreds of Christians at St Peter’s Cathedral in Soroti during the Independence Day celebrations on Friday, Odongo urged the country’s leaders to rely on God in the fight against corruption and promote fairness in society.
He said many people profess Christianity but fail to reflect its teachings in their daily lives, allowing greed and selfishness to thrive at the expense of others.
“The corruption we are talking about is because people are Christians by mouth, but their hearts are terribly rotten. That is why some people have more than they need, while others have less than they need,” said Odongo.
The bishop said Independence Day should be an opportunity for Ugandans to reflect not only on the country’s freedom from British colonial rule, but also on the quality of leadership, accountability and service delivery.
He observed that although God provides for everyone, many people have become increasingly selfish instead of caring for the welfare of others.
Emmanuel Anguria being baptised by bishop Kosea Odongo on Independence Day at St Peter's Cathedral, Soroti
“It is only God who is for all, but it looks like in this country everyone is for himself or herself. May God have mercy upon us. Today is Independence Day; why don’t you begin to depend on God?"
Misusing wealth
Odongo also criticised men who, after acquiring wealth, prioritise marrying additional wives and establishing drinking establishments instead of investing in their families and making responsible choices.
He urged men to honour their marital commitments and consider how their wealth could benefit their families and communities.
“In this country, when a man is blessed with a lot of money, what he does is marry a second wife, and the second thing he does is build a bar where people will go to drink, get drunk and engage in all sorts of evil."
Repentance
During Friday's service, bishop also baptised infants and adults, urging Christians to shun practices that tarnish the name of God and instead live according to their faith.
“This is a special year for me to celebrate Independence Day as well as being welcomed into the house of the Lord through baptism. As Christians, we ought to put our knees on the ground to ask for forgiveness for the sins we have committed,” he said.
Yoweri Aceger, another Christian, expressed concern that some people who attend church regularly are also involved in the theft of public funds, particularly those entrusted with public resources.
He said the contradiction between Christian faith and corrupt practices undermines the values churches seek to promote.
“Corruption is a cancer in our country, and what hurts me is that the corrupt are Christians. I pray that we transform and follow Christ."
Agnes Achom, whose child was baptised during the service, pledged to devote herself to raising her child in the Christian faith and teaching values that discourage corruption and other wrongdoing.
She said baptism marked the beginning of her responsibility to guide the child in faith and ensure continued spiritual growth.
“That is why I had to bring this baby to receive the sacrament of baptism. My role now is to ensure that the baby receives all the sacraments as I continue with my parental responsibility of providing guidance,” said Achom.
The Christians said the Independence Day service provided an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between faith and personal responsibility, with calls for believers to demonstrate their commitment to God through honesty, accountability and care for others.