By KT Reporter
The Retired Bishop of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese, Nathan Kyamanywa, has urged electorates to avoid voting for politicians who sell their lands to finance campaigns. Bishop Kyamanywa issued the warning on Thursday evening during a homily commemorating Chief Ibrahim Awich at Laguti Primary School in Pader District.
Chief Awich was one of the African chiefs who resisted colonial rule. Although eventually defeated, he is credited as the first Acholi man to embrace religion, paving the way for education and the Church Missionary Society in Acholi Land.
He ascended to power after the gruesome murder of his father, Chief Rwotcamo, during an inter-clan war, and ruled until his death on July 7, 1946. During his homily, Bishop Kyamanywa praised Awich for being a strong leader who stood for his people despite struggles with the British, describing it as “leadership of purpose.”
He noted that while Pan-Africanists such as Chief Awich defended the interests of their people, the new set of leaders has betrayed them. He warned that corruption in the country and poor service delivery are deeply rooted in moral degeneration and greed by politicians who want to attain power by all means.
“When people are seeking elective offices… I know individuals who even sell off their lands to inject money into campaigns. Don’t expect him to deliver,” Bishop Kyamanywa said. He added, “I am appealing to you the electorates, look for people who are concerned with your welfare, vote for them even if they don’t give you money.”
David Onen Acana II, the Paramount Chief of Acholi and grandson of Awich, commended his grandfather for bravery. “Awich was wisdom, Awich was the father of Christianity and education in Acholi,” Acana observed. Meanwhile, Betty Aol Ocan, Woman Member of Parliament for Gulu City and former Leader of the Opposition, urged the country to prioritize peace in the upcoming elections.
“We shouldn’t kill ourselves because of politics because elections will come and go, but we are these same people, and there is no need to die when we have the avenues to talk,” Aol said. If you want, I can also make a tighter, punchy front-page version highlighting Bishop Kyamanywa’s warning as the lead while keeping all original quotes intact. Do you want me to do that?
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