Politicians cautioned against selling family property to fund campaigns

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The Bishop of Mukono Diocese, Enos Kitto Kagodo, has warned Ugandans intending to contest various political offices in the 2026 general elections to refrain from selling off family property to finance their campaigns.

Bishop Kagodo noted that the growing monetisation of politics has led some candidates to make regrettable financial decisions.

Reflecting on recent political campaigns, he said several politicians were compelled to sell their property in an attempt to raise campaign funds.

“Unfortunately, I learnt of one of those who, after selling all of his property—including the family house—still lost the election and ended up suffering. He died recently a very poor man, which was not his status before joining politics,” he said.

The bishop made these remarks while delivering his Easter message to Christians who flocked to St. Phillip and Andrew’s Cathedral in Mukono Municipality in large numbers on Easter Sunday.

He also cautioned political aspirants against using church platforms for campaign purposes, stressing that churches are not political arenas.

Christians receiving Holy Communion.

“The Church is for everyone; therefore, we are not supposed to entertain the politics of divisions,” he warned. 

“The only thing they will get is a mere introduction, but they should not be given platforms on church pulpits to campaign.”

Bishop Kagodo urged voters to carefully study all candidates and select those who are of value and capable of effective leadership.

“Some candidates are not worth standing for political offices. I observed some during the Kawempe North by-election who were seriously lacking political substance. Unfortunately, voters sometimes end up voting for such characters!” he cautioned.

Turning to matters of family responsibility, the bishop encouraged men to fulfil their duties and not leave them entirely to their wives.

“Men are the heads of families. Unfortunately, many have abandoned their responsibilities. Though some end up running away from their families, others are present but, in actual sense, they are missing—because even in their presence, it’s their wives taking on all their responsibilities,” he said.

For those burdened by chronic illness, poverty, and other hardships, Bishop Kagodo advised against turning to witchdoctors. Instead, he encouraged them to place their trust in the risen Jesus Christ, whom he called “the Alpha and Omega.”

He also expressed gratitude to Christians who have been earnestly fundraising for the construction of the new cathedral.

The cathedral, whose foundation stone was laid by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, in 2024, requires over sh7 billion to complete.