A section of Christians from the Diocese of Kigezi have criticized the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, for publicly endorsing and campaigning for Jogo Kenneth Biryabarema, who is contesting for the Rubanda East Constituency parliamentary seat.
During a confirmation service on Sunday, 15th June 2025, at Nyamweru Church of Uganda Parish in Nyamweru Sub-county, Rubanda District, Bishop Akanjuna urged Christians to vote for Biryabarema in the upcoming National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections scheduled for 16th July. Bishop Akanjuna described Jogo as the right candidate capable of lobbying for improved services such as road infrastructure and education.
CUE IN BISHOP AKANJUNA…….RALLYING SUPPORT FOR JOGO………RR//
Biryabarema, who narrowly lost to the current Minister of Finance (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, in the 2021 elections, is making a political comeback in hopes of securing the NRM flag for the 2026 general elections.
However, some Christians have expressed dismay over the Bishop’s actions, accusing him of promoting religious sectarianism and biased political involvement ahead of the 2026 polls.
Grace Ankunda Bekunda Bwesigye, who is vying for the Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament seat, revealed that the Diocese declined to bless her candidacy and instead endorsed Enid Origumisiriza to challenge incumbent MP Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira. Ankunda criticized the Diocese for what she termed unequal treatment of Christians, stressing that her focus is to serve as MP regardless of party affiliation.
In a recorded exchange, Ankunda and Origumisiriza accused each other of sabotaging planned campaign programs. Origumisiriza, who had previously quit politics after her 2021 defeat, claims she returned to the race following encouragement from church elders led by Bishop Akanjuna, an assertion Ankunda strongly disputes. She has demanded a meeting with the Bishop and the elders to clarify the matter.
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Trust Kyomugisha, a Christian from Kitoma, Rubaya Sub-County, Kabale District, has condemned statements made by Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna, warning that they could fuel sectarianism among Christians and voters.
Kyomugisha, who plans to run as an independent candidate for the Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament seat in the upcoming general elections, accused Bishop Akanjuna of endorsing Enid Origumisiriza as his preferred candidate, putting her at a disadvantage.
CUE IN KYOMUGISHA…..ON THE MATTER……RR//
Pierre Mbabazi Ntegyereize, a Christian from Hamurwa Town Council and also an aspiring candidate for Rubanda East, condemned Bishop Akanjuna’s actions. He warned that religiously motivated political endorsements risk promoting weak and self-serving leaders.
Mbabazi further noted that religious leaders should remain neutral and serve as examples of unity and impartiality, traits he believes Bishop Akanjuna has failed to demonstrate.
CUE IN MBABAZI…….ON THE MATTER……..RR/ENG//
