The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt Rev Onesimus Asiimwe, has issued a strong warning to voters against accepting money and material handouts from politicians, saying the widespread practice is degrading citizens and undermining the country’s development.
Speaking during a confirmation and thanksgiving service to launch the construction of St John’s Karuhembe Church of Uganda in Kebisoni, Rukungiri District, Asiimwe urged the public to reject electoral bribery and instead choose leaders committed to genuine service.
“Stop voting people for giving you money. Someone gives you Shs 500 and buys you off to vote for them. At home where I was born, someone brought me a hoe and a panga so that I would vote for them—me, a bishop—to vote for a hoe. I asked the person to take it back,” he said.
The former Makerere University chaplain further criticized politicians who only appear during campaign seasons, warning that voters must not allow themselves to be manipulated.
“Don’t be cheap. Don’t become lowly people with no taste. Vote for someone who can be a good representative in Parliament—people who can at least make roads. Don’t vote for people who disappear and only come back when they want votes. Pray for our country,” he said.
Asiimwe also decried what he described as rampant corruption across Uganda, saying the problem has penetrated homes, schools, government institutions, and even the church.
“Corruption in Uganda is at its peak. Money that goes into people’s pockets should have built us roads, schools, hospitals. Uganda is rich, but individuals are eating the money. The lowly people are suffering—and they are the ones who later vote corrupt leaders back,” he said.
Asiimwe revealed that upon assuming office in March 2023, he found only Shs 20 million on the diocesan account despite significant collections already made.
“I made six months without salary. I want to tell you there is also corruption in the church,” he said.
Asiimwe further warned that dishonesty within families and schools is normalising unethical behaviour among young people, weakening the moral fabric of the nation.
“There shall be no transformation of our country unless it begins with the family,” he said.
Asiimwe urged church leaders to maintain strict accountability in financial matters to build trust and attract wider support for development projects.
At the event, at least Shs 15 million was raised for the foundation of the new St John’s Karuhembe Church. In addition, the Lions Club of Entebbe and the Batsikana family donated a vehicle to the church-founded Karuhembe Technical Institute.
Amos Batsikana praised the church’s role in community development, saying church-led initiatives often inspire greater confidence than those undertaken by government or local leaders.
“The church plays an important role in development. Its projects tend to attract trust and inspire communities in ways that other institutions sometimes do not,” he said.