Exercise democracy, maintain peace on January 15 — Karamoja clerics

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As the country heads into one of the highly contested polls on January 15, 2026, many Christians are undecided about the elections, a constitutional democratic right.

Several believers believe that politics and religion do not mix; however, Karamoja Anglican Bishop Micheal Chorey has urged Christians to go and vote for leaders of their choice.

"One issue that Christians should consider is to go back home after casting their vote,” he said, adding that those at the various polling stations should accept the wishes of the electorate, not their own.

Chorey says politics does not have issues, adding that an election has a biblical priority [Acts 14:25] that describes how the early Christians elected church elders by vote.

“We only need to take responsibility for good actions as well as negativity,” he said, adding that such a constitutional right makes a difference the way a grain of salt does to vegetables, and that is how we can create an impact on society.

He also encouraged those in charge of the voting exercise to announce the real results as established for purposes of sustainable peace in the country.

Chorey made the remarks on Christmas Day during his sermon at St Phillips Cathedral, the headquarters of the diocese in Moroto town.

Choose leaders wisely

At Naoi Catholic Church, the parish priest Fr. Paul Ngole urged voters to choose leaders wisely.

Fr. Ngole Paul, parish priest Naoi catholic church. (Credit: Olandason Wanyama)

He also asked them to ensure a peaceful election, saying that after that fateful day, we shall need each other within society.

“We shall still go to the same market, church, stay in the same village,” Ngole said, adding that God does not know the Movement -NRM or the National Unity Platform (NUP).

He said Karamoja will not experience peace if our hearts are full of bad attitudes towards our fellow humans.

“It’s the time for friends, families and the community to pray together so that God can guide us,” Ngole said, adding that God cannot prevail amongst us when we are fighting, drinking alcohol excessively and planning evil.

Love God at all time

Meanwhile, Moroto Catholic bishop Damiano Guzetti called on Christians to love God at all times.

He urged those seeking for political offices to fulfil the demands of the electorate before seeking another term in office.

He further asked the leaders to emulate God, on how he sent his son Jesus Christ to fulfil his demands.

“So let’s get out of that humble emptiness by not destroying our lives,” the bishop said, adding that we should not be enslaved by drunkenness.

Guzetti made the remarks in a sermon delivered to the Christians during Christmas at the Merciful Cathedral of Jesus in Nakapelimen village, Moroto municipality.

He however, said God is in the hearts of the people to offer opportunity on how to begin a new journey.

“The year of hope is telling us welcome,” Guzetti said, adding that Jesus supports us in our emptiness and the freedom of God is free of charge.