Show compassion to the needy this Christmas – Busoga bishop

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The Bishop of Busoga Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Prof. Grace Lubaale has urged Christians to show compassion to those in need during the festive season.

In his Christmas message, Lubaale said many communities are living through what he described as difficult socio-economic conditions that continue to affect livelihoods.

He therefore emphasised the importance of caring for the needy as a reflection of Christian love.

“This Christmas season invites us to pause, reflect and seek God as we respond faithfully and responsibly to these realities,” he said.

The bishop called on Christians to carry the light of Christ into their homes and communities by showing compassion to the needy and living in ways that reflect Christ’s love and presence among them.

According to Lubaale, the birth of Jesus brings light into darkness, peace into troubled hearts and healing to a broken world, remaining a source of lasting hope for all humanity.

As followers of Christ, he urged Christians to live responsibly, particularly as the country enters a politically sensitive period ahead of the 2026 general elections.

He appealed to Ugandans to participate peacefully and responsibly throughout the electoral process.

The bishop said citizens should exercise their constitutional rights with discernment by listening carefully, reading and evaluating the manifestos of different candidates in order to make informed decisions guided by Christian values of justice, integrity and peace.

He also urged Christians to be instruments of peace and to avoid violence.

“May the love, peace and joy of Christ fill your hearts and families this Christmas season and lead you into a fruitful and blessed New Year 2026,” he concluded in his statement.

Richard Gulume, the Jinja resident city commissioner, said they had deployed in all public and hotspots to ensure a peaceful festive season. (Credit: Jackie Nambogga)

Meanwhile, Jinja resident city commissioner Richard Gulume has appealed to the public to strengthen neighbourhood watch initiatives during the festive season to curb insecurity.

Gulume said community vigilance was one of the most effective ways of supplementing the available security personnel in countering criminal activity.

Although security has been deployed at major public places and hotspots, he advised residents to move in groups, especially at night, as a precautionary measure in case of possible attacks.

At Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, health workers will remain on duty throughout the festive period.

According to the hospital director, Dr Alfred Yayi, the facility will continue operating normally despite many civil servants spending time with their families.

“We encourage the public not to hesitate coming for our services, thinking that we shall not be working during this season, we shall fully be at the premises waiting to be at your service,” he said.