Kibuku, Uganda: Catholic clergy and political aspirants have called on Ugandans to safeguard peace and stability as the country enters the critical 2026 election year, during a New Year Holy Mass held at St. Luke Kirika Catholic Church in Kibuku District.
Hundreds of faithful converged at the church in Kavule village, Kirika Sub-County, on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, for special prayers to usher in the New Year and seek blessings, peace and prosperity for Uganda.
The Mass was presided over by Fr. John Richard Owori, the Parish Priest of Kibuku Parish, and was attended by Patrick Godfrey Wakida, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer aspiring for Kabweri County parliamentary seat in the January 15, 2026 general elections.
Clergy Urge Protection of Peace
In his homily, Fr. Owori delivered a firm message on the need to preserve peace during the election period, reminding congregants of Uganda’s long journey toward stability.
“Peace is not something we should take for granted. We must protect the peace we enjoy today,” Fr. Owori told the congregation, describing stability as one of Uganda’s most critical national gains under the leadership of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The priest also raised concerns over cattle restitution in the Bukedi sub-region, noting that communities suffered heavy losses during past conflicts, including the period when Alice Lakwena’s Holy Spirit Movement passed through eastern Uganda in the late 1980s.
Fr. Owori openly praised Dr. Wakida for consistently supporting the community long before declaring his parliamentary ambitions.
“Even though he is not yet in Parliament, he has always stood with you,” the priest said, while expressing personal disappointment with the incumbent MP, revealing that pledges made to him years ago remain unfulfilled.
Wakida Pledges Service, Decent Politics
After the Eucharistic celebration, Dr. Wakida addressed the congregation in an emotional speech, likening himself to “a ripe mango tree by the roadside,” which attracts stones simply because it bears fruit.
“In the same way,” he said, “I have come not just to lead, but to work for my people. Let them throw stones and insults — I will not be moved. I am here to serve.”
Dr. Wakida shared his professional journey, noting that he has worked with institutions in Russia, the United States and Buganda Kingdom, before deciding to dedicate his experience to serving his home community.
Raised in a devout Catholic family as the son of a former parish chief, Wakida pledged to uphold decency in politics. “I will never abuse anyone,” he said, urging his critics and political opponents to instead go to the grassroots and account for what they have delivered to the people.
The NRM flagbearer, who recently crossed from opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), commended government poverty-alleviation initiatives, describing the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga as transformative programmes unmatched by previous administrations.
He highlighted visible developments, including improved road networks, expanded health facilities, increased government-aided schools, and improved access to clean water. “When hospitals are in bad condition, a sick person is forced to sell land or livestock to seek treatment elsewhere, pushing families deeper into poverty,” Wakida said.
He further announced that government is reducing the qualifying age for the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) programme from 80 to 65 years, a move expected to benefit thousands of elderly Ugandans.
Call for NRM Support and Vigilance
Dr. Wakida called on voters to support President Museveni and NRM candidates to consolidate these gains, pledging that if elected, he would aggressively lobby for improved services and development projects in Kabweri County and the wider Bukedi region.
He specifically urged voters to back NRM candidates Nakeba Muhamad for Kibuku District LCV Chairperson and Katooko Sylvia Damba for Woman Member of Parliament, stressing the importance of electing a cohesive leadership team.
Towards the end of his address, Wakida asked the faithful for prayers, saying political pressures had intensified. “My enemies have multiplied; many now see me as a problem,” he said, before urging voters to remain vigilant on polling day and mark their ballots correctly to avoid spoiling votes.
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