Accept election outcomes with humility, faith — Sorit Bishop

SOROTI - Church of Uganda Soroti bishop Kosea Odongo has urged political leaders and the wider community to accept election outcomes with humility, faith, and a renewed commitment to service.

According to Odongo, leadership is ultimately given by God.

While preaching during a special prayer service for winners and losers of the 2026 General Election, Odongo reminded congregants that both victory and defeat are part of God’s plan.

“It is God who gives leadership, and it is God who replaces leaders,” he said. 
“Those who have succeeded should thank Him, and those who have not should also thank Him, because God has simply chosen another person.”

The prayer service, organised by the Church of Uganda Diocese of Soroti, brought together elected leaders, defeated candidates, clergy, and members of the public in a rare show of political reconciliation and unity.

Serve the people

Odongo urged newly elected leaders to remain close to the people, noting that a five-year term passes quickly.

“Leadership is about people. Today is the day God has given us to serve,” he said, warning that leaders are elected by the people and can also be rejected by the same people.

He stressed that the campaign period was over and challenged leaders to shift focus from politics to service delivery, including maintaining cleanliness in Soroti City. 

The Bishop further called for peace, crediting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for maintaining stability in the country, while praying for even better leadership outcomes in the future.

Quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:18, he urged leaders to give thanks in all circumstances, and Psalms 100:3, encouraging both winners and losers to acknowledge God’s will.

“Failure does not mean God does not love you,” he said. “There is life after defeat. When one door closes, another opens.”

Church vicar, the Rev. Boniface Esomu encouraged defeated candidates to work hand in hand with those elected, reminding them that political office, though desirable, is not the end of life. (Credit: Juliet Akello)

Message of unity

Church vicar, the Rev. Boniface Esomu encouraged defeated candidates to work hand in hand with those elected, reminding them that political office, though desirable, is not the end of life.

Several political leaders attended the service, including 

• Joan Acom Alobo, re-elected Woman MP for Soroti City.

• Esther Lucy Acom, MP-elect for Serere District

• Samuel Ediau, MP-elect for Amuria District.

• Peter Paul Emaju, MP-elect for Kasilo County, Serere District.

• Francis Esudu Obwonyo, Mayor-elect for Soroti City.

• Abdul Latif Wali, Mayor-elect for Soroti City East.

• Eng Martin Onguroco, LCV-elect for Serere District.

• Bob Owiny, LCV-elect for Soroti District.

Pledges

Joan Acom Alobo thanked voters for renewing her mandate and called on residents to support elected leaders.

“Never give up on your leaders. Come back, invest, and work with us to ensure the city is well maintained,” she said, pledging inclusive leadership.

Fisheries state minister Hellen Adoa Abeku, also outgoing Serere District Woman MP, thanked the Church for bringing together both winners and losers.

She said the next five years should focus on restoring wetlands through fish farming, revealing that 500,000 fish ponds would be provided with support from the Danish Embassy.

Other leaders outlined their priorities, with Samuel Ediau pledging to address district challenges in Amuria, while Eng Martin Onguroco said road infrastructure and service delivery would be his main focus in Serere.

Owiny reminded leaders that life is bigger than politics and pledged improved service delivery.

At the local level, Erick Yoko Odeke, LCIII-elect for Abarilela Sub-county in Amuria District, promised accountability and improved security.

The service ended with prayers for peace, unity, and responsible leadership as the region transitions into a new political term.