St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Mbale City was the center of a joyous Christmas celebration as Christians and leaders, including Supreme Court Judge Cheborion Barishaki and his family, gathered for prayers.
The event marked a return to faith and community for many celebrating the season.
In his Christmas message, retired Bishop Samwiri Wabulakha called on leaders to embrace servant leadership, taking inspiration from Jesus Christ.
The Bishop did not shy away from criticizing Bugisu leaders, accusing them of prioritizing personal gains over community needs.
His remarks referenced the recent visit by the President to the region during the Parish Development Model (PDM) assessment last week, where Bugisu failed to successfully push for the Bugisu agenda.
“Can you imagine some leaders were asking the President for Bajaj (motorcycles)?” he remarked.
Bishop Wabulakha also encouraged Christians to reflect on the significance of Christ’s birth in practical ways, urging them to embrace government initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation.
“The birth of Christ should inspire us to work together and rise above poverty,” he stated.
The Bishop’s message struck a chord with several stakeholders who acknowledged the challenge of cohesion in addressing community issues.
“His words are a wake-up call for us to prioritize unity and community development,” said Dr. Sarah Wasagali Kanabi, the Board Chairperson of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) and a daughter of the soil.
“It is a challenge to us leaders; we should know that leadership is for others, not personal gain,” added Lydia Wanyoto, the NRM Women League Chairperson.
The Christmas prayers served as a reminder of the values of humility, service, and collective responsibility in addressing the region’s challenges.