Masaka Diocese Bishop Serverus Jjumba has cautioned Ugandans against reducing their civic responsibility to handshakes and handouts, urging them to choose leaders based on character and vision rather than cash and convenience.
Delivering his Easter Sunday homily at Our Lady of Sorrows Cathedral in Kitovu, Bishop Jjumba called on voters to resist politicians who exploit poverty with short-term gifts in exchange for long-term power.
With the 2026 general elections drawing nearer, he said, the country must reject the culture of transactional politics.
“It is not right for voters to become beggars before politicians,” he said.
“It is your responsibility to support and empower those who are capable and willing to lead selflessly.”
The Blbishop warned that accepting bribes for votes compromises national progress and often places unfit leaders in positions of power.
He appealed to the faithful to support candidates with genuine intentions and to advocate for them boldly within their communities.
“If someone genuinely comes forward with a vision and potential to develop our community, let us support them and also campaign for them among others,” he added.
Bishop Jjumba’s message came as hundreds gathered for Easter Mass, including political leaders such as Mathias Mpuuga, the Member of Parliament for Nyendo-Mukungwe and former Leader of Opposition in Parliament.
In his remarks after the service, Mpuuga echoed the Bishop’s concerns, saying the 2026 elections risked being derailed by opportunism if citizens failed to exercise discernment.
He urged voters to reject populist gestures and instead evaluate candidates on the strength of their ideas and commitment to public service.
“Elections must be about competence, not convenience. In Masaka, no one ever goes unchallenged. All candidates must be ready to face opponents, but ultimately, voters will decide who deserves to lead them,” Mpuuga said.
Both the Bishop and the legislator stressed the need for political maturity, transparency and voter responsibility as the election season draws closer.
Their Easter messages come amid growing concern about the cost of elections and the quality of leadership emerging from Uganda’s increasingly monetised political landscape.