Reject acrimony, embrace unity, says Soroti bishop Odongo in Christmas message

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Soroti Anglican Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Kosea Odongo has urged Christians and Ugandans at large to embrace unity, reconciliation and peace, especially as the country prepares for a general election.

In his Christmas message delivered on December 23, 2025, morning, Odongo emphasised that the birth of Jesus Christ carries a powerful message of peace that should guide both personal conduct and national affairs.

“I would like to wish all the people of Teso, Uganda and all people elsewhere a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” Bishop Odongo said, noting that Christmas is a sacred time when believers celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, whom he described as the “King of Kings, the Lord of Peace and the Saviour of the world.”

Quoting from the book of Matthew, Chapter 1, Verse 21, the bishop reminded Christians that Jesus was born to save humanity from sin and to restore broken relationships. He encouraged families and communities to allow Christ to reign in their lives as a source of peace, unity and reconciliation.

“Jesus Christ came to bring peace between warring nations, warring families and warring individuals so that they may find peace again,” he said. “This is the reason why Christ came.”

Calm and restraint

Bishop Odongo called for calm and restraint among political actors and the electorate, warning against violence, intimidation and hatred that often characterise political competition.

“As we enter this period of elections, I pray that we shall enter it with peace, rejecting acrimony and embracing reconciliation and unity,” he said. “We should choose leaders who will bring peace, development and reconciliation, not leaders who disappear from the electorate after being elected.”

He stressed that the state of roads, schools and health facilities in the country requires leaders who are committed to service and transformation, rather than self-interest. He appealed to all citizens to work for peace to ensure there is no bloodshed during the electoral process.

The bishop particularly cautioned the youth against being drawn into acts of violence, urging parents to guide and protect their children during the festive season and beyond. He also advised families to celebrate Christmas responsibly and plan for the new school term.

“As we celebrate, let us not spend everything and later struggle to take our children back to school,” he said, encouraging financial responsibility among parents.

Do not compromise the Church

Addressing concerns about political influence in religious spaces, Bishop Odongo warned against politicians using gifts to churches as a way of compromising the church and manipulating voters. While acknowledging that development-oriented donations are not inherently wrong, he urged Christians to remain vigilant.

“People should not vote because someone gave a car or iron sheets,” he cautioned. “We should not be compromised in any way.”

He added that the Church must remain neutral during the election period. According to the bishop, the role of Church leaders is to pray for the nation and encourage peaceful participation in the democratic process.

“Our work is to pray and encourage our people to vote freely and campaign peacefully,” he said. “Where there is peace, people can vote without being coerced.”

Bishop Odongo also appealed to politicians to avoid misleading the electorate and urged Christians to vote wisely, guided by God and conscience rather than material inducements.