📷 Bishop Banja intercedes for peaceful elections

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Ahead of the general elections next month, the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Moses Banja, has called for peace and unity in the country. 

He made the remarks during his Christmas sermon at St Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe, in Kampala on Thursday.

Uganda is scheduled to hold general elections on January 15, 2025, during which citizens will elect, among others, the president and members of Parliament.

“Even as we look forward to elections, where we will be electing our leaders, let us be led by the spirit of God to get those rightful people in those offices of leadership that will keep and maintain total peace in our country. Jesus himself is the light of the world, and in Him was life, and life was the light of humanity. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it,” Banja preached.

He added, “Let me assure you that even in the forthcoming election, we should depend on Jesus Christ. The election will not be a problem, and will not cause us to suffer when we elect good leaders. Leaders come from God. He is the one who chooses leaders. Let us be children of God. Let us depend on him even as we look forward to the coming elections next year. During elections, let us honour each other. Let us extend a gift of love to one another. Let us encourage each other.”

Citing the biblical passage in John 1:4–5, Banja emphasised that Jesus is a beacon of peace, truth and spiritual understanding.

“Jesus Christ's birth offers the opportunity for peace and salvation,” he preached as he encouraged those who are yet to receive Christ to embrace salvation through His birth.

“I want to challenge all of us here today. Are you a child of God? Have you received him? Do you believe in him? Do you embrace his coming in your life? Please, if not, it is your day today to do that so that you can also be looked at as a child of God. This reception brings spiritual peace and the promise of eternal life. As we celebrate Christmas, let us open our hearts today. Let us receive him,” Banja added.

The bishop also appealed to Christians facing various challenges and anxieties to trust in God’s mercy for deliverance.

“All things that cause suffering, let us believe him that he is able. Even some of us who may have that anxiety, not knowing what follows tomorrow, I encourage you today that Jesus Christ lives. We can face tomorrow,” Banja said.

“Let us allow him to remove things that make our lives hard and create fear within us. Let us be willing to become new creatures that God desires to see in us and our lives through his glory,” he added.