Bishop Lubaale urges humility, accountability as Jinja's Mwiru celebrates election victory

 
JINJA - Busoga bishop, the Rev. Prof. Grace Lubaale, has condemned the ongoing corruption in the country, calling for national stability, integrity and collective accountability.

Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony for the newly sworn-in Jinja City Southeast Constituency Member of Parliament, Paul Mwiru, at Walukuba West playground on May 16, 2026, Bishop Lubaale reminded leaders to remain grounded and serve humanity with utmost humility.

A divine mandate to serve

Lubaale urged the congregation and the newly elected legislator to recognise the hand of God in their achievements.

"When we come to give thanks, you have come from very far. So, we thank the Lord who has taken you from very far. God has been present in your life, and God will remain present. God will protect and provide," the prelate added.

Drawing parallels to the biblical story of King David, who rose from isolation to the throne through divine intervention, the Bishop cautioned leaders against arrogance once they attain positions of influence.

"Don't forget your God and your people," he said.

Turning his attention to national governance, the prelate made a passionate plea for a decisive crackdown on vice.

"There is corruption, we want stability... it must be sorted out. We must deal with corruption; we must build the country. We don’t have another country".

He added that true accountability means being trustworthy and actively following up on responsibilities, urging all citizens to hold corrupt individuals accountable.

Busoga Diocesan Bishop Rev. Prof. Grace Lubaale (C) with Jinja South East Constituency MP Paul Mwiru (3rd right), his wife (3rd left), children and Jinja City Woman MP Sarah Lwansasula (R) while at the thanksgiving ceremony at Walukuba West playground on May 16th. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)

Mwiru vows to honour parliamentary oath

Mwiru expressed immense gratitude for the gift of life and what he termed as the historic nature of his electoral victory.

"This is my first time to win a general election," Mwiru said, acknowledging the grace of God that brought him to Parliament.

"I will serve with humility, and I respect humanity because that is the reason why I'm here," he added.

Mwiru emphasised his unwavering allegiance to his voters, the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, and its president, Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu (Bobi Wine).

He defended his legislative mandate, stating that his primary focus remains upholding, respecting, and protecting the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which mandates equal development for all citizens.

When questioned about the current political turbulence surrounding the speakership in Parliament, Mwiru did not hold back, attributing the conflict to deep-seated budget corruption within the August House.

"Actually, there is no issue," Mwiru stated bluntly. "There's a lot of budget corruption. Like, all of them are supposed to be imprisoned—those accusing her and the one who is being accused."

Former Speaker of Parliament has since rescinded her earlier expression of interest in being reelected into the same position. The move followed a probe sanctioned by President Yoweri Museveni, which has culminated in the search of her three properties in the districts of Kampala and Wakiso over money laundering and corruption allegations.

NUP leadership backs Mwiru for higher roles

The event drew a powerful delegation of Opposition leaders who praised Mwiru's integrity and long-standing dedication to political change.

NUP’s Kenneth Paul Kakande, who represented former Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi, vouched for Mwiru’s unshakeable integrity, stating, "You will never hear that Mwiru has been bribed."

The Jinja South East Constituency MP Paul Mwiru (L) enjoying a light moment with his supporters while at his thanksgiving ceremony at Walukuba West playground on May 16th. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)

He announced a bold future plan of fronting Mwiru as Leader of Opposition in the 12th Parliament.

NUP’s Chairman, Nyanzi Fred Ssentamu (NUP Mobiliser), recalled their shared political struggles dating back to the Arua byelection, describing Mwiru as an exemplary leader who remains fully committed to NUP's mandate.

Fortunate Rose Nantongo (Kyotera Woman MP), assured residents that Jinja's voice would be strongly amplified on the floor of Parliament through collective opposition solidarity.

Local governance and resource allocation

The thanksgiving ceremony also highlighted local development milestones. Zabef cell LC1 chairperson Michael Mugesi lauded strategic leadership that successfully secured funding for the area.

Mugesi noted that resources originally destined for other districts had been rightfully redirected to the Masese Division, describing the achievement as a very good Bible testimony.

Newly elected legislators who attended Mwiru’s thanksgiving event included Moses Lukanga (Njeru Municipality), Sarah Lwansasula (Jinja City Woman MP), Jimmy Kanaabi (Buikwe South), Hussein Muyonjo (Jinja North) and Ivan Kyeyune from Nakasongola.

Artistes who entertained guests at the event included: Acidic Vokoz, Tough Soja, Gazampa, Afande Kadabada, former Kakuuto County MP Geoffrey Lutaaya, Kabaako and former Mawokota North MP Hillary Kiyaga a.k.a Dr. Hilderman.