Soroti bishop cautions against burdening leaders with personal demands

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The Bishop of Soroti Diocese, Rt Rev. Kosea Odongo, has attributed the rising cases of corruption in the country partly to the increasing financial pressure communities place on elected leaders.

According to the bishop, many politicians are compelled to meet personal demands from constituents, a situation that can push some into corrupt practices in an effort to satisfy public expectations.

“There are people who have become a challenge in our communities. When a chicken falls sick at home, they rush to call the LC5 chairperson for help or call their Member of Parliament. That is not their role,” Bishop Odongo said.

“The responsibility of leaders is to legislate, represent the people and raise community concerns so that they can be addressed. They are not in the office to buy soap for you. If they willingly offer assistance, appreciate it, but do not pressure them to do what they are not mandated to do,” Odongo explained.

The bishop made the remarks on May 30, 2026, while leading thanksgiving prayers for the newly elected Soroti district LC5 chairperson, Bob Owiny.

The newly elected Soroti district LC5 chairperson, Bob Owiny greeting some of his supporters during the thanksgiving function. (Photo by Godfrey Ojore)

According to the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), Uganda loses an estimated sh9 trillion annually to corruption, an amount equivalent to about 23 percent of the national budget.

While preaching about integrity, justice and service to humanity, Bishop Odongo urged leaders to work within their means and resist being drawn into acts that compromise their values and reputation.

“I do not want you to deceive anyone that you will solve all the problems of Soroti. Do what you can because you are not God,” he said while addressing Owiny.

“If you are unable to work on every road in the district, let there at least be evidence that you made an effort.”

The thanksgiving function, held at Tubur Primary School and attended by thousands of residents, was presided over by the state minister-designate for foreign affairs in charge of regional affairs, Haruna Kasolo, as the chief guest.

Kasolo described Owiny as an honest and capable leader and encouraged him to follow the bishop’s guidance if he wishes to enjoy a long and successful political career.

“You voted for a bright and honest leader who has begun his service through prayer,” Kasolo said amid applause.

“My brother, I offer myself as your political adviser so that you can grow in leadership just as I have.”

Kasolo also played a key role in reconciling Owiny and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) national vice chairperson for eastern Uganda and state minister-designate for international affairs, David Calvin Echodu, whose relationship had deteriorated during the party’s Central Executive Committee elections last year.

Owiny had supported Capt. Mike Mukula, who later stepped down in favour of Echodu during the NRM elections held at Namboole.

Speaking at the event, Echodu publicly acknowledged that tensions had existed between him and Owiny and revealed that he had at one point vowed to campaign against him.

“It is true that we were not together. Owiny would sometimes go on radio and criticise me, and I would become very upset,” Echodu said.

“However, through my brother Kasolo, we reconciled, and that is why I am here today. We cannot dwell on the past. We are now committed to serving our people together.”

The two leaders later exchanged a handshake and embraced, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Owiny, who assumes leadership of Soroti district as its sixth elected LC5 chairperson, becomes the youngest person in the district’s history to hold the position, having been elected at the age of 34.

Owiny started his political career as a district youth councillor between 2011 and 2016, rose to become a sub-county councillor for Tubur between 2016 and 2021, and has now become the district chairperson.

In his address, he pledged to promote unity between the Iteso and the minority Kumam-speaking communities, strengthen cooperation with the district’s technical staff and tackle corruption.

“I commit myself to fighting corruption, improving our road network and advocating for the coding of more primary schools,” Owiny said.

Former Soroti district LC5 chairpersons include Stephen Okuluma, Capt. John Emily Otekat, Stephen Ochola, Grigory Mikiri Egunyu and Simon Edoru, who Owiny succeeded.

Who is Owiny?

Born on December 23, 1991, in Tubur sub-county, Owiny is the second-born in a family of four boys and one girl. He was raised by his mother, Catherine Asao, following the death of his father.

Owiny holds a Bachelor of Science in Technology (Biology) from Kyambogo University and a Bachelor of Public Administration and Management from Uganda Christian University. He is married to Eunice Apolot, and they have three children.