Masaka Diocesan Bishop Serverus Jjumba has urged the government to ensure equal treatment of all political contenders ahead of the 2026 General Election, warning that biased enforcement could undermine the credibility of the polls.
Speaking during a special Mass to mark the diocesan day at Sports Arena–Kitovu in Masaka City on Sunday, Bishop Jjumba said the appeal aligns with the Catholic Episcopal Conference’s March pastoral letter.
“In line with the letter released by the Episcopal Conference in March, Section 61 emphasises the issue of a free and fair space for all nominated candidates to operate freely because we’re in multiparty dispensation and I’m here to reiterate that it’s very important,” he said.
He noted that unrestricted political expression is necessary for voters to make informed choices.
“As we tolerate our divergent religions and our ethnicities, we can as well do the same even now to enable our people to make proper choices during voting,” he added.
While calling for equal space for all candidates, the bishop urged Ugandans to maintain peace, respect electoral laws and avoid violence during the ongoing campaigns.
He warned that chaotic behaviour could result in deaths and injuries.
Bishop Jjumba also raised concern over rising poverty, saying many people had been pushed into seeking handouts from politicians.
“This shouldn’t be the way to go, I implore our people to work hard to sustain themselves rather begging money from politicians because they also don’t have enough to give everyone,” he said.
During the celebration, he unveiled Masaka Diocese’s 2025–2026 theme: “Let’s emphasize cleanliness and environmental protection basing at the basic Christian community.”
Local leaders welcomed the message with Mr Jude Muleke, the Kabaka’s chief for Buddu County, saying improving hygiene and environmental protection should start in households.
“The two issues embedded in the 2025-26 theme are key and I join you to emphasize the issue of fighting environment degradation, when we call for community cleaning in your areas, come and join us so that we improve our areas,” he said.
Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja also praised the focus on environmental conservation, describing it as timely amid global climate challenges. She urged residents to scrutinise political aspirants.
“As political parties we have unveiled candidates, please look at us with a keen eye and vote wisely,” she said.
The Catholic Bishops of Uganda, in their pastoral letter “The Truth will set you free,” issued in March, highlighted 65 points including calls for peaceful co-existence even as Uganda heads to the ballot on January 15, 2026.