Bishop Kisembo urges citizens not to seek handouts from politicians

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Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo, the Bishop of Rwenzori Diocese, has called upon citizens to abandon the practice of expecting financial favours from political leaders.

The bishop was on Friday (September 12) speaking at the Toro Kingdom 30th coronation anniversary celebrations (Empango) taking place at the king’s palace in Karuzika, Fort Portal Tourism city.

Kisembo said that such handouts undermine dignity, encourage dependency, and hamper true democratic participation.

He cited the recent NRM primary elections, an exercise he said was characterised by a lot of money. According to the bishop, candidates should be determined by merit, not through financial favours.

“As we enter the [2026] general elections, citizens should stop asking for financial favours from political aspirants while politicians should also desist from voter bribery."

Kisembo further said human rights violations and abuse must be avoided by embracing a culture of respect.

He also urged authorities to allow all electoral candidates to campaign freely without interference, emphasising that fair access is essential for credible elections.

“Candidates should be allowed to campaign freely without fear or favour."

On the question of the tea sector in the region, the bishop challenged Anita Among, who attended the Empango, to use her position as Speaker of Uganda's Parliament, to solve the problem of the dwindling tea prices in Toro region.

On Wednesday this week, King Oyo visited Kiko Tea Estate, where farmers and officials from Kiko Tea Factory asked him to add a voice for them on the tea prices.

Toro is home to some of Uganda’s most productive tea estates and smallholder tea farms, but local farmers have voiced concern over falling global tea prices, rising production costs, and a lack of access to value-added processing facilities.

“We are being forced to sell our green leaf at losses,” said Lydia Komuhangi, a tea farmer in Kyenjojo. 

“The Kingdom’s support gives us hope, but we need serious intervention from the central government.”