Mbarara Bishop tells clergy to kick out politics from Church

_________________

MBARARA - Bishop of West Ankole Diocese Rt Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, has asked church leaders in the country to kick politics out of their churches.

Addressing a dialogue on Multiparty Democracy hosted in  Mbarara city, Bishop Twinomujuni reminded church leaders and other religious leaders that they are leaders representing God and that disqualifies them from being partisan since they serve all God’s people.

He warned that the narratives of religious leaders openly supporting politicians will lead the country into serious problems. He advised them that their ideologies should only promote programs that aim at developing the country and uniting all Ugandans.

The bishop emphasised that the role of church leaders and other religious leaders should be to guide people on what to do and what not to do, but not to campaign for political candidates.

“You should neither campaign nor decampaign as a church leader. When it comes to voting, we also vote except in tricky situations of voting by lining up, say no to campaigning for candidates in churches and avoid declaring your sides,” Bishop Twinomujuni added.

Twinomujuni made the comments on Wednesday (05.11.2025) while addressing a regional dialogue held at the Las Vegas Hotel in Mbarara city.



The dialogue on peaceful elections is part of the bigger programmes the Netherlands Institute of Multiparty Democracy is running in the country, and it was convened under the theme: “TUONGEA; Let’s talk peace.”

He challenged Ugandans to rally against the wrong that is done in the country and focus on what builds the nation. “If you are a NUP member and you are doing well, that is good; we promote it. If you are an NRM member and you are doing wrong, that should be condemned,” he said.

“It’s time for us to ask the Lord to guide us as we near the time of elections, which actually is the time of tension. I appeal to this country to be calm and let us walk the journey of unity, “he added.

He advised the youth not to be tools of violence but rather to be agents of peace and asked them to respect the elderly and appreciate what leaders and their parents have done.

Primus Bahiigi Atukwase, the country director of the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy, said they organised the dialogue to find mechanisms that will ensure the 2026 general elections become the most peaceful in Uganda’s history.

“This is not just an inspiration-it is a necessity for our democracy and for the future of our nation,” Bahigi stated. He commended the efforts of all stakeholders, especially the security agencies, for the unprecedented peaceful campaigns and prayed for a continued trend.

“Today we must inspire Uganda to move beyond fear, beyond division, beyond violence. Elections should never be moments of terror; they should be moments of hope, of unity, of renewal. Unity begins with dialogue, and it is the bridge that connects diverse voices to a common vision of peace,” Bahigi added.

He reminded the participants that peace is fragile and must be nurtured deliberately.

Dr Nathan Karema, an elder in Mbarara and senior presidential advisor, warned Ugandans to avoid politics of tribalism, politics of religion and politics of tribe, which bring divisionism, misunderstanding and chaos in the politics of the country.

Francis Muhindo, one of the participants, asked the media to desist from sensational reporting, especially in this election period. Clare Kashaija, a politician from Mbarara City, called for continued guidance from religious leaders and elders in the country.

Jafar Basajjabalaba, chairman of Bushenyi district, hailed the peaceful environment so far realised in the presidential campaigns. Basajjabalaba condemned politicians using false propaganda.