Former Lands Minister Daniel Omara Atubo has blamed politicians for fueling division among Ugandans through greed, misuse of public resources, and turning politics into a profit-making venture.
Speaking during the just concluded 2026 GANAL Provincial Prayer Peace Week hosted by Lira Diocese at Lango College Playground, Atubo said many leaders abandon the spirit of public service once they assume office.
“When they get into power, they become so greedy. They mismanage resources and budget allocations meant for the people,” Atubo said.
“They have turned politics into a business, spending huge sums of money with the expectation of recovering it later,” he added.
Atubu argued that Uganda can only achieve lasting peace if Ugandans embrace love, respect for human rights, democracy, free and fair elections, freedom of expression, equality, and an end to tribalism.
Atubu also criticized President Museveni for “making constitutional changes” that favor only him and the people around him.
“Mr. President, you say you won this election, somebody goes to the judiciary, and the judiciary is so scared that they cannot say this election was not free and fair. What sort of judiciary is that?”
“These are critical issues which we Ugandans must be open about.” He argued. He also challenged clergy and religious leaders to speak boldly against injustice, drawing inspiration from John Baptist Odama, who was outspoken during the insurgency in northern Uganda.
“Speak out in time against enemies of peace and good governance. Refuse bribes from bad people and stop praising the government all the time,” he said.
Similarly, Sam Atul, the Lira City mayor, wondered where some politicians are made, and who prepares them to make unrealistic promises.
“Politicking shouldn’t be about creating enmity, “ he said. “Politicking should be about selling ideas and defending ideas that are realistic, that we think can create change in our society.”
However, drawing from his own political experience, Atul, an ardent Church leader, also blames the electorate for forcing politicians to behave in “unchristian” ways.
He congratulated the Catholic Church for conducting the prayer week in Lango. “This year’s prayer week comes right after elections, and for me, I think it is a joy that we in Lira City are hosting you after being a central focus of the whole country on the kind of elections that was taking place in Lira City.”
This, he said, “This prayer week will help us, not only as a region, but particularly as Lira City, to reflect and see how we can be part of mobilizing our communities to move beyond elections, to see what is ahead of us and what we can do for our people.”
Atul called on religious leaders to intentionally foster peace in communities, praying for politicians to develop a genuine commitment to serving the public. Assistant Town Clerk of Lira City Council, Lillian Grace Ocare, said women bear the heaviest burden during conflict.
“Women are the ones who suffer most when there is no peace. They carry the burden of children and other family responsibilities during wars,” Ocare said. She urged women to take an active role in family development and community peace-building through sacrifice and responsible leadership at home.
The provincial prayers, held under the theme “Peace Be With You” from the Bible John 20:19, brought together participants from the dioceses of Gulu, Arua, Nebbi, Lira, and Kotido under the GANAL province. This year’s event, however, attracted participants from as far as South Sudan. The annual event continues to provide a platform for reflection on peace, good governance, and national unity-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
