Soroti Catholic Bishop Joseph Oliach Eciru has called on Christians to consistently express gratitude to God, saying thankfulness attracts and sustains divine blessings.
Bishop Eciru delivered the message while presiding over a Thanksgiving Mass organised by the family of Vice President Jessica Alupo at her home in Oigoimumua village, Aketa Parish, Ongogonja Sub-county in Katakwi District.
The colourful ceremony drew clergy, politicians and public servants from across the region and was held in thanksgiving after Alupo was formally declared unopposed for the Katakwi District Woman Member of Parliament seat ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The Mass also recognised her recent award of an honorary Doctorate of Laws by the Islamic University in Uganda.
The university said the award recognised a leader whose life’s work symbolises discipline, commitment to service, scholarship, statesmanship and advocacy for the empowerment of African people.
The honorary degree is the highest award granted by the institution and is reserved for individuals whose achievements have contributed significantly to knowledge and the betterment of society.
In his homily, Bishop Eciru reminded Christians that gratitude to God goes beyond material offerings and is reflected in how believers live their lives.
“Giving back to God is not about material wealth. It is about surrendering your life to Him and working for His glory. This is how your blessings will be multiplied,” the bishop said as he congratulated Alupo on what he described as a double milestone.
He further urged believers to obey God’s commandments by loving God with all their heart, soul and mind, and loving their neighbours as themselves.
Addressing the congregation, Alupo described her unopposed return to Parliament as a “Christmas gift” and thanked her supporters and former rivals for what she called political maturity and unity.
“I want to thank all my sisters I have been contesting with, not just in this election but even in previous ones, for always exhibiting political maturity and giving all of us a chance to work as friends,” Alupo said.
In the National Resistance Movement primaries, Alupo secured a landslide victory with 84,944 votes, defeating Viola Akurut, Angela Anuken and Cecilia Anyakoit.
While most of the candidates conceded after the primaries, Anuken opted to run as an independent before later withdrawing from the race, paving the way for Alupo to be declared unopposed.
Alupo urged residents to take advantage of government livelihood programmes such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, the Women Fund, disability grants and elderly support initiatives, saying the programmes are designed to help citizens transition into the money economy.
“The people of Katakwi should not be an exception. These programmes are meant to enable all Ugandans to join the money economy and move together with the rest of the country,” she said.
She also called for unity and peaceful campaigns among candidates contesting other political positions.
“I wish all candidates peace, victory and cohesion. I will continue moving around the district mobilising support for NRM and President Museveni,” Alupo said.
In a gesture of reconciliation, Alupo assured her former competitors that they would not be sidelined.
“For my sisters I have always contested with, some of them have already been placed. Those who have not yet been placed will also be placed,” she said, as she recognised Anuken’s family during the Mass.
Akurut has since been deployed to the Ministry of Local Government, where she is monitoring Parish Development Model funds in eastern Uganda.
Alupo reiterated that her office would remain open to all residents regardless of political affiliation.
With Alupo now unopposed, the NRM has consolidated its hold on the Woman MP seat in Katakwi District, allowing party leaders to focus on other competitive races and broader mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The Vice President also used the platform to appreciate Gen. Jeje Odongo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, for his contribution to the development of the Teso sub-region and Uganda at large. She urged schoolchildren to remain focused on education to complete the learning cycle.
Alupo further informed the congregation that government has allocated Shs80 billion for the payment of five cows earlier promised by President Museveni, noting that the funds will benefit communities in the Teso, Lango and Acholi sub-regions.
Gen. Odongo congratulated the people of Katakwi for returning Alupo to Parliament, describing her as a distinguished and empathetic leader. He appealed to residents of Teso to remain humble and united as the country approaches the next elections.
Usuk County MP Bosco Okiror also congratulated Alupo, describing her as a champion of peace and development in the region. He urged communities in Teso to continue praying for national leaders ahead of the polls.
Katakwi District LC V Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo applauded government for ongoing infrastructure projects and called on residents to re-elect President Museveni to safeguard what he described as the gains registered under the NRM administration.