Orthodox leader tells voters to reject divisive politics

KAMPALA - Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, the Archbishop of the Orthodox Church in Uganda, has urged Ugandans to vote for leaders who embody forgiveness, reconciliation, peace, unity, and a love for freedom for all.

Delivering his Easter message during Holy Mass at St Nicholas Cathedral, Namungoona, Muzeeyi emphasised that such leaders must be renewed in Christ through the Holy Spirit, as the faithful live in the Kingdom of God.

He noted that those transformed by Christ’s resurrection are always ready to engage in dialogue with their adversaries.

“As Uganda prepares for the general elections in 2026, the country is in search of such individuals (as leaders),” said Metropolitan Muzeeyi.

He further stated that the resurrection of Jesus Christ offers true believers — those whose lives are filled with the spirit of resurrection — a calling to help transform Uganda.

Looking ahead to the upcoming campaign period, Metropolitan Muzeeyi, who was assisted during the liturgy by Rev. Fr. Stellios Kasule, the Assistant Dean of St Nicholas Cathedral, stressed that maintaining peace during the elections is the responsibility of every Ugandan.

He called upon voters and candidates — both incumbents and aspirants — to practise mature politics that avoid violence, citing the recently concluded Kawempe North MP by-election as a cautionary example.

“Good leaders can be found in every political party, so it’s the decision of the voters to look out for those ones to serve them better. Don’t insist that you are the only one who has to be voted. And also when your opponent wins, accept the outcome and work with him or her for the development of our societies,” advised Metropolitan Muzeeyi.

The roadmap for the 2026 general elections begins this year, with several political activities, including the presidential election, scheduled to commence.

During the same liturgy, a message from Pope Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa was read out, in which he prayed for peace to prevail across the world.

Pope Theodoros II, who is also regarded as the judge of the world, decried the ongoing wars in Syria, Ukraine, and Palestine — countries he described as having historical importance to the Church.

“Africa is also bleeding and full of bloodshed, which has retarded peace and development, as there are about 35 insurgencies around the continent,” said Pope Theodoros II in his Easter 2025 message.

He specifically cited the conflict in South Sudan, where thousands of citizens have been displaced and many others have lost their lives.

He also pointed to insurgencies in Ethiopia, Somalia, Nigeria, Libya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which he said have only worsened poverty, hunger, and disease across the continent, leaving countless people suffering and mistreated.

As part of the Easter celebration, worshippers were served decorated eggs, bread, and cakes donated by Good Samaritans.