By Emmanuel Okol
Katakwi, Uganda: Catholic priest Fr. Patrick Achedu has called on political leaders in Katakwi, Teso and across Uganda to prioritise peace, unity and respect during the forthcoming 2026 general elections, warning that political hostility continues to tear communities apart during campaign seasons.
Fr. Achedu made the appeal on Friday, November 14, 2025, while leading mass at the burial of Mzee Silver Eilor, held in Igola Village, Alogook Parish in Katakwi Sub-county. The late Eilor, aged 73, was a long-serving public servant who worked as a correspondent, cashier and court assistant in Soroti and Katakwi before succumbing to hypertension, prostate cancer and cardiac complications.
The cleric cautioned politicians against hatred and hostility, saying campaigns should never overshadow humanity, love and brotherhood. “Politicians intend to hate each other during campaigns instead of showing love and unity,” Fr. Achedu said. “After politics, we still need each other. Let God’s peace prevail over hatred.”
He cited Romans 13:1–3, reminding mourners that leadership and authority come from God, and that rebelling against lawful authority invites judgment.
Fr. Achedu also urged the bereaved family to remain united despite their loss. “We need to continue calling on the grace of God, which will prevail over hatred,” he added.
Several leaders who attended the burial echoed the priest’s call for peace, urging the community to support leaders focused on development rather than division.
Hon. Bob Owiny, the NRM LCV flagbearer for Soroti District, praised the late Eilor for his contribution to national development. He encouraged the people of Teso to vote for leaders with integrity and vision, including President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Vice President Jessica Rose Alupo.
Independent Ngariam County aspirant Augustine Otuko asked residents to emulate the late Eilor’s legacy of service. He urged voters to choose leaders who prioritise progress, not those driven by money or selfish interests.
Katakwi Resident District Commissioner Stephen Ilemukorit Okure, a close friend of the family, commended the late elder for his humanitarian efforts. He said his office already has measures in place to curb electoral violence and arrest individuals who fuel division ahead of the polls.
Hon. Bosco Okiror, MP for the area, also appealed for peaceful campaigns and encouraged households to embrace government poverty eradication programmes as the surest path to long-term development.
Vice President Alupo calls for unity, support for government programmes
At the same function, Uganda’s Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Rose Alupo Epel, thanked the church for playing a vital role in shaping the moral fabric of society. She urged the people of Teso to embrace government development programmes to uplift household incomes.
Alupo reminded residents that the peace and stability enjoyed in the region today is a direct result of President Museveni’s leadership. She called on Ugandans to avoid politics of hatred and instead champion peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2025/2026 elections.
The Vice President also rallied voters to support President Museveni for another term, saying his leadership has shielded the country from recurring conflicts and created opportunities for development.
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