The Catholic Bishops in Uganda have urged politicians, security agencies and voters to uphold peace, justice and reconciliation as the country heads toward the January 2026 General Elections, reminding Ugandan’s that the true meaning of Christmas is love, unity and respect for human dignity.
In a Christmas message issued on December 24, 2025, at Nsambya, the Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda–Mityana Diocese, Rt Rev Joseph Antony Zziwa, said the Advent and Christmas seasons offer renewed hope that “God is with us,” even amid social, political and economic challenges facing the nation.
Bishop Zziwa noted that Christmas this year, like five years ago, coincides with an intense political campaign period, making the message of Christ’s birth especially relevant. He said Christmas represents a new order founded on justice, peace and reconciliation, values that should guide political engagement and public life.
“The message of Christmas is even more relevant at this time because it represents justice, peace and reconciliation, illustrated by God’s loving action through the coming of Jesus Christ,” Bishop Zziwa said.
However, the bishops expressed concern that political campaigns, which initially began peacefully, are increasingly becoming violent and divisive. They warned that the involvement of security agencies in campaign-related violence has raised serious questions about the credibility of the electoral process.
The bishops cited reports of violent attacks on opposition supporters and politicians, restrictions on free movement during campaigns, and growing mistrust in security forces. They warned that such actions contradict the spirit of Christmas, which calls for reconciliation among people and with God.
Referring to their March 2025 Pastoral Letter titled “The Truth Will Set You Free” (Jn 8:31–32), the bishops reiterated their concerns over recurring unethical practices in elections, including unequal campaign conditions, violence, voter anxiety and a sense of hopelessness that has characterized past election cycles.
Beyond politics, the bishops highlighted broader social challenges such as corruption, illicit accumulation of wealth, sectarianism, unemployment, widening inequalities and the erosion of moral and religious values, which have strained relationships at family and community levels.
They emphasized that Christmas offers an opportunity for personal conversion and renewal, calling Christians to live out the Gospel values of love, compassion and forgiveness, as taught by Christ through His life, teachings and parables.
“Love is not optional for believers in Christ; it is an imperative,” Bishop Zziwa said, citing Jesus’ command to love one another and care for the sick, the hungry, the homeless and other vulnerable members of society.
As polling day approaches, the bishops appealed to all stakeholders to act responsibly. They called on the Electoral Commission to ensure effective management of the electoral process and urged security agencies to maintain law and order without resorting to violence.
They also asked political contestants to observe electoral laws and avoid actions that fuel conflict, while urging voters to reject violence and bribery, make informed choices, and turn up in large numbers to vote.
The bishops further thanked Christians for their participation in the Jubilee Year 2025, declared by the late Pope Francis, and encouraged them to allow the spiritual graces received during the Holy Year to guide their lives into 2026.
They invited the faithful to mark the conclusion of the Holy Year at cathedrals and places of worship on December 28, 2025, and noted that Pope Leo XIV will officially conclude the Jubilee celebrations in Rome on January 6, 2026.
The message concluded with Christmas and New Year wishes to all Ugandans, calling on them to become true witnesses of Christ’s love in their families, communities and the nation at large.
“This is the true meaning of Christmas,” Bishop Zziwa said.
