Kwaina, Uganda: The Bishop of West Lango Diocese, Rt Rev Ceaser Nina Otim, has urged Christians to reject corrupt politicians and instead vote for God-fearing leaders who embody integrity and service as the country heads into the 2026 election year.
Delivering a bold Independence Day message at Aduku Cathedral Church in Kwaina District as Uganda marked 63 years of independence, Bishop Otim condemned corruption and dishonest leadership, calling it a national curse that continues to undermine Uganda’s future.
“Uganda’s problem is not lack of resources. It is the voters who choose corrupt people; liars and looters, instead of servant leaders rooted in Christian values,” he declared.
Citing Luke 3:16–17, the Bishop likened dishonest leaders to “chaff” destined for divine fire, warning that corruption is not only a political failure but a spiritual disease destroying Uganda’s moral foundation.
“John said the Messiah will gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. That is what corruption is — chaff. These corrupt politicians will not stand when the fire comes,” he cautioned.
As the country enters another election cycle, Bishop Otim criticized the growing culture of vote-buying, which he described as moral decay that has “crippled Uganda’s growth and destroyed public trust in leadership.”
“Some of them bring sugar, salt, and empty promises during campaigns, but vanish once elected. They don’t even remember the roads or the people who voted them in,” he said, adding, “The vote is your seed for tomorrow. Don’t waste it on someone who sees you as a stepping stone to power.”
He called on the Church to take an active role in civic education and moral discernment during elections, urging Christians to view the ballot as a sacred responsibility. “We don’t need more politicians; we need leaders — leaders who fear God, serve with integrity, and reject corruption in all its forms,” he emphasized.
Public Reacts
Bishop Otim’s fiery sermon has since gone viral across Lango Sub-region, drawing strong support from citizens and religious leaders alike. “We are tired of politicians who only show up with salt and soap during elections. This time, we will not vote blindly,” said Grace Apio, a mother of five in Aduku Town Council. “Let them keep their money — we want leaders who fear God.”
Youth leader John Ogwang echoed the sentiment, saying voters share the blame for corruption when they sell their votes. “If we vote for thieves, we are also part of the theft,” he remarked.
In Apac Parish, Rev. Sister Lidya Akec described the Bishop’s message as spiritually awakening. “It reminds us that leadership is not a job — it’s a calling. If you lie, loot, and exploit the poor, God will judge you. And so will the people at the ballot.”
The message has inspired several prayer groups across Lango to start vetting candidates based on Christian values, honesty, and humility, not party affiliation or wealth. “Let them come with Bibles, not bribes,” said Rev. Noah Okocum of Apac PAG Church. “We are tired of wolves in suits.”
Political analyst Sarah Aceng Elem noted that Bishop Otim’s words could influence voting patterns. “Religious leaders hold moral authority, especially in rural Uganda. When a bishop speaks like this, it cuts across party lines,” she observed.
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