The Bishop of the Diocese of West Ankole, Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, has called on voters to reject the corruption of their conscience by political aspirants, even as he acknowledged the reality of money exchanging hands during campaigns.
Speaking shortly after launching the diocesan Father’s Union in Bushenyi, Bishop Twinomujuni told Nile Post that while voters may not resist the temptation of eating candidates’ money, they must not allow it to influence their choices at the ballot box.
“You people, do not be bought because I know there are candidates who are using money to buy their supporters to elect them into power. If you’re being bought, it means your conscience is being conditioned—and that means you're betraying your personality and integrity,” he warned.
The bishop urged political aspirants to abandon tactics of blackmail and instead focus on presenting their manifestos to the electorate, saying leadership should be about service, not hostility or self-preservation.
“I have always advised those who come to me seeking prayer: tell us what you want to do for the people. Do not fight the incumbent and do not fight an aspirant. Remember, if you’re an incumbent, you were once an aspirant too,” Twinomujuni said.
He also cautioned against domestic tensions during election periods, where political differences between spouses often lead to conflict.
“Much as a man marries his wife, it doesn’t mean they are chemically interfused. Each has their own personality and expectations. So, there is need for mutual understanding and respect for each other’s political choices,” he added.
Rev Arthur Atwiine, archdeacon of Kitagata, echoed the bishop’s message, calling on clergy to remain neutral during political campaigns while continuing to provide moral guidance to their communities.
“As the Lord Bishop has already implored us, we need to stand our ground and guide the community to vote for leaders with integrity,” he said.
Greater Bushenyi is widely known for its money-driven politics, with campaign season often marked by heavy spending from candidates.
Religious leaders say this trend has led politicians to misuse churches as campaign platforms, hiding behind offertory donations to curry favour with the faithful.
“Let it be known to all aspirants: whatever you contribute to the church is not intended to woo believers to vote for you. It is a gift to God, not a bribe to the congregation,” said Rev. Didas Natweta, Archdeacon of Greater Bushenyi.
During the event, members of the newly launched Father’s Union were encouraged to champion family development and economic sustainability in their communities.
Unlike the more established Mother’s Union, the Father’s Union has been identified as a crucial pillar in both church leadership and family stewardship.