By KT Reporter
As the country gears up for the next general elections, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, has advised Catholic political aspirants to avoid unnecessary competition among themselves. Archbishop Ssemogerere urged Christians aspiring for the same leadership positions to first seek consensus and agree on the most suitable candidates, warning that open competition could split their support base and weaken their chances of winning.
While expressing gratitude for the growing number of Catholics showing interest in political leadership, Ssemogerere cautioned against internal rivalries, which he said are illogical and counterproductive. He made the remarks on Sunday while addressing thousands of Christians during a pilgrimage to Birinzi Sub-Parish in Masaka Diocese, the birthplace of Saint Charles Lwanga, one of the Uganda Martyrs killed for his Christian faith.
“I feel proud when I see many Catholics expressing interest in politics, because through you, at least we can be assured that our communities can choose better leaders, given the nurturing you receive through the Church structures,” he said. According to the Archbishop, society today needs leaders with strong religious devotion—those capable of sacrificing for the common good. He urged Christian aspirants to introspect and rally behind the most suitable candidates.
Archbishop Ssemogerere also challenged political actors to stop recruiting youth into violent acts in the run-up to the next general election. Instead, he called for the youth to be engaged in productive and peaceful endeavors.
Meanwhile, the Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Severus Jjumba, who marked his sixth episcopal anniversary during the same event, called on Christians to emulate Saint Charles Lwanga. He praised the martyr’s courage in standing against evil, even at the cost of death for his faith.
Bishop Jjumba encouraged both clergy and lay Christians to carry out their responsibilities with devotion, emphasizing their role in advancing the Christian faith and uplifting communities.
During the mass, Bishop Jjumba also presented 19 seminarians slated for elevation to the order of diaconate and 10 candidates who will be fully ordained as priests. He noted that the upcoming ordination, scheduled for next month, marks a significant step in strengthening spiritual leadership and renewing hope among the faithful-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
