By KT Reporter
Former Gulu Archbishop Calls for Love, Unity, and God-Fearing Leadership Dr. John Baptist Odama, the former Archbishop of Gulu, urged Christians to practice love, unity, and trust in their faith and leadership roles.
During his pastoral visit to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Parak, Opit Catholic Parish, Archbishop Emeritus Odama encouraged Christians in leadership, both in the Church and government, to lead with love, trust, and sacrifice for the good of the people.
According to Archbishop Odama, effective leadership at all levels requires faith in God, love for humanity, and a willingness to sacrifice, as leadership authority is granted by God.
“Many of today’s leaders do not sacrifice themselves to God, and that is why they lack love, trust, and forgiveness toward one another,” he said.
“A true leader must obey God’s commandments. Many crimes, including corruption and violence, happen because leaders do not fear God or love their fellow human beings.”
He further criticized corruption within government institutions, noting that leaders engage in wrongdoing because they lack fear of God and compassion for the poor.
“Some government leaders commit crimes such as corruption because they do not remember that they were chosen by God to serve the community,” Odama added.
“We need unity, trust, and love in all government offices—free from corruption and abuse. Every person is created in God’s image and deserves respect.” He condemned acts of violence against Christians during the ongoing campaign rallies in Uganda, describing the situation as unfortunate and unacceptable.
“It is very unfortunate that many Christians are silently suffering as their rights are violated by security operatives during campaign rallies. We strongly condemn such actions because all citizens have equal rights,” he said. He emphasized that political campaigns must be peaceful and respectful of human dignity.
“Campaigns should be conducted with love, trust, and respect for human life. Unfortunately, many Christians have become victims of violence and abuse by security officials,” he added.
Meanwhile, Reverend Father Samuel Ocaya, the Parish Priest of Opit Catholic Parish, called upon Christians to pray for peace and unity during the ongoing campaign period ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
Fr. Ocaya noted that violence-free campaigns are a sign of good leadership for the future and encouraged continued prayer for the nation. “When we commit the election process to prayer, we shall have good leadership—leaders who do not abuse their offices and who serve competently,” he said.
He emphasized that leadership must be grounded in love, trust, sacrifice, and service to the needy, warning that a lack of love among Christians often leads to violence and loss of life.
“A good leader must fear God, love the people, and be committed to peace-building among Christians,” Fr. Ocaya added.
“Many leaders forget their responsibility to promote unity and peace once they are given power.”
Both church leaders stressed that a society without God-fearing leaders lacks unity and love. They encouraged Christians to pray earnestly when choosing leaders, so that God may guide them to elect leaders who are trustworthy, loving, and committed to peace. The Catholic Church reiterated its strong stance against electoral violence.
“As the Catholic Church, we condemn violence in any election. We believe in peace, unity, and love. Let us have peaceful elections marked by respect, trust, and nonviolence,” the church leaders concluded.
Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
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