Retired Archbishop Orombi blesses Museveni’s re-election bid

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The former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi, has blessed President Yoweri Museveni’s re-election bid in the 2026 general election.

“We want to give you our blessings and encourage you to continue speaking to Ugandans the message of peace and development, which we all need, but above all, the nation coming together in love,” he told the President on Saturday (October 11).

This was during Museveni’s campaign rally for next year’s general election at Namrwodho Primary School playground in Nebbi Municipality.

Orombi, who turned 76 on Saturday, thanked the Almighty God for raising the President who has led Uganda uninterrupted for close to 40 years.

“We have recorded peace in this country, we have recorded growth and several other developments in this country, and yet Uganda is still a country of great needs. Peaceful, yes, but very needy,” he noted.

He also noted that the leadership the incumbent President has provided has enabled Ugandans to see the light, sleep in their houses and have hope.

“On behalf of the people of Nebbi, I ask that God continues to lead you through the nation as you speak to the people, giving you health, strength and enabling you to accomplish your mission,” he prayed.

The retired Archbishop also stated that he believes that everything God does has its time.

“There is time to be born, time to die, time to laugh and time to cry, but in your season, we have seen great things happen,” he told the President, who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Museveni.

Orombi also noted that the people of Nebbi still believe strongly that Museveni has a task to do for them.

“We can’t access the wealth of Zombo quite easily. If it rains, from Nebbi to Vurra is difficult. We are like men with only one shoe; a shoe from Pakwach to Nebbi, but there is no shoe in our foot from Nebbi to Vurra. I pray that you will give us that shoe so that our people can travel and development can take place,” he told Museveni.

He observed that Zombo is a food basket for Nebbi. “The people in Zombo have so much food, but bananas and avocados rot on the way because sometimes it is impossible to travel,” he said.

Birthday

Earlier, before he prayed, Orombi explained the day to everyone, especially the President and the First Lady.

“Today is my birthday,” he announced, drawing applause from the audience, which said to him in unison, “Happy birthday.”

“I turn 76 years old, born and grew up in Nebbi, the gateway to the West Nile region. You are in a very special place among the Alur people, people who are patient, peaceful and work together. People who have been voting for you ever since and who claim that you are their friend,” he told the President.

“I believe that we don’t need to explain to you the needs of our people because you already know. As a senior clergyman from Pakwach to Adjumani, I want to welcome you to our region. We wish you safety as you travel,” he told the President.

The Archbishop also said Museveni was not visiting them merely as the people of Nebbi, but campaigning.

“We are going to listen to you carefully. We want to hear the things that you have done and the things you are yet to do,” he told Museveni, before praying that come next year, the general election will be peaceful and Ugandans will decide.