The Rt Rev Joseph Anthony Zziwa, the bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, has urged the Electoral Commission to ensure the 2026 general elections are conducted in a free, fair, and inclusive manner.
Speaking during a well-attended Easter Mass at St. Noah Cathedral in Kiyinda-Mityana, Bishop Zziwa called for transparency and peace as the country prepares for the next electoral cycle.
“This is a time to reflect, but also to prepare. The Electoral Commission must ensure that the 2026 elections are not only peaceful but also transparent and inclusive, so that every citizen feels seen and heard,” he said.
The Easter service drew a large congregation, including faithful from across the diocese and leaders from both the Buganda Kingdom and government.
From the pulpit, the Bishop delivered a message that intertwined spiritual guidance with a strong call for civic responsibility.
Bishop Zziwa voiced concern over what he described as a deteriorating political climate marked by violence and efforts to silence dissent.
“What we are witnessing is worrying. The acts of violence and political games aimed at silencing opponents must stop. They are tearing apart the very peace we all long for,” he warned.
He called on political actors to rise above hostility and intimidation, cautioning that such tactics erode democratic values.
“Let us not use politics as a weapon against one another. True leadership does not thrive in fear and oppression,” he said.
He also called for intensified civic education, urging the Electoral Commission to help citizens understand their rights and responsibilities in the lead-up to the elections.
“Informed participation is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy,” he noted.
In his homily, Bishop Zziwa reminded congregants to carry forward the virtues cultivated during Lent.
“Let the goodness cultivated in the Lenten season not end with Easter. Let it guide our lives and draw us closer to God,” he said.
Among the dignitaries present was Minister of Lands Judith Nabakooba, who responded to the Bishop’s message with a pledge to take action.
“We are taking his message seriously. We shall look into the issues he raised and ensure they are reflected in government action,” she said.
Bishop Zziwa’s address resonated with many in the congregation, striking a balance between spiritual reflection and the need for moral clarity in public life.
His Easter message served not only as a call to faith, but as an appeal to conscience—urging the nation to move towards unity, justice, and peace as it approaches the 2026 polls.