Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

“Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on the Cross.  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” Phil 2:8-11.

Hardly three months have gone by since we celebrated Christmas.  This was a great reminder of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem.

During Easter we focus on the climax of God’s divine love, Jesus demonstrated to humanity.  In a world suffering from lack of love during his earthly life, though he did no wrong, he faced the cruelty of human selfish hearts.  He was arrested by the Religious Establishment and tortured to the point of exhaustion.  The Romans finally sentenced him to death.  He was crucified between two (2) criminals.  In his pain and agony he cried to God to forgive his tormentors.  His company on that Cross represented the fallen class of humanity, the humble, the poor, the helpless and homeless.

What do we experience today?

In Health:

Today we have a challenging world to live in.  Some of us who have the duty to serve Ugandans are denying the weak the means to live a healthy life.  What is happening when drugs are stolen, funds are embezzled, in a nation that has responsible people who should care for the citizens?  The weak go to look for treatment but are shunned away, ignored and rudely sent away by people who have the power to aid them in their healing process.  Jesus, may you look at us from the Cross with your face full of agony and compassion.

Leadership:

God has called leaders to lead by example.  The people need freedom from darkness of ignorance.  They look for direction to be free from shackles of poverty but are in dilemma as to who to turn to.  The abuse of power and authority today has made it impossible for some of our leaders to serve the weak in our communities.  The people are like “Sheep without a Shepherd.” Young people are looking for direction but are being misled.  You can almost hear them crying – “Who is there to listen to us?” Jesus looks from the Cross with his face full of agony and compassion.

Before Jesus died, he declared, “It is finished” meaning, the sacrifice at last has been offered for humanity’s freedom.  Therefore committed leadership must give hope and confidence to the people they are leading.  Jesus made a sacrifice on our behalf.

Your Neighbour:

When Jesus was on the Cross he was accompanied by two robbers.  One of them insulted him whereas the other defended him.  He walked among people and offered a hand of friendship.  All faithful people of God during this Easter Season, you need to extend friendship to someone in need.  Jesus demonstrated love for a neighbor even in his moment of pain.  We are compelled by his example to do the same.  This is very important for us today in Uganda in the light of the political differences faced by our people.  Be a good neighbor to one another as Jesus was.  He said to the robber, “Today I shall be with in paradise.”

Election of the next Archbishop:

Will you take some time to pray for the forthcoming election of the incoming Archbishop during this Easter Season.  The election will take place on June 22.   The prayer of faithful people is effective and God will respond if you do so diligently.

The Open Tomb:

May I call upon you to know that Easter is a clear message of victory for all who believe in Jesus Christ.  He who died, was buried finally overcame death the enemy of humanity.  What does that mean?  It means that we should never lose hope no matter what we are going through.  Victory is yours if you trust in Jesus Christ.

As Uganda is looking forward to celebrating 50 years of her political Independence, we who are alive should be thankful.  This history is ours to make this year 2012.  Let us take time to forgive each other as our Saviour did at the Cross.  He said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34.  Much pain has been caused in this country over the years through civil wars fought, conflict one with each other, political misunderstandings which left people wounded, disfigured and confused.

The Resurrection of Jesus comes with these words, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36.  This peace was paid for in full by the one who pronounced it – Jesus of Nazareth.

May you all have peaceful celebrations and receive strength to overcome all the obstacles and enemies on your way.

I send greetings to the President of Uganda – H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his family; all Members of Parliament and all Cultural Leaders in Uganda.  I acknowledge the contributions of the opposition and pray God to guide them in all their efforts towards the development of our country.  I salute the Council of Presidents of Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU).

MAY THE PEACE OF THE RISEN LORD FILL YOUR LIVES.

Thank you.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi

ARCHBISHOP OF CHURCH OF UGANDA

Joseph Kony and the LRA left Uganda in 2006 at the beginning of the Juba peace talks and haven’t been in Uganda for more than five years. Since then, the people of Northern Uganda have been returning to their homes and have begun the long and difficult process of healing and rebuilding their lives, their families, and their communities.  The Church of Uganda has been deeply involved in that process at every level. While there are the normal challenges of any country, Uganda is a country at peace, working hard on development, and takes pride in its description as the “Pearl of Africa.”

Under the leadership of the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, the Church of Uganda made advocacy for the end of the war in Northern Uganda a primary concern. The Archbishop and Bishops of the Church of Uganda led a delegation of 70 people to Gulu and the Pabbo IDP camp in February 2004, immediately after his enthronement as Archbishop, as an act of solidarity with them and to offer encouragement. The Archbishop spoke out repeatedly on the need for peaceful resolution to the conflict, and met on several occasions with the President to advocate for peace and an end to the war. Through the Uganda Joint Christian Council, the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative, and our Dioceses operating in the affected areas, the Church of Uganda has worked with many other community leaders to restore peace in Northern Uganda and engage in the process of healing and rebuilding the North from the lingering effects of Joseph Kony.

Although the Juba Peace Talks did not produce a peace agreement, life without the threat of LRA attacks returned to Northern Uganda in 2006. The Church of Uganda, however, seriously regrets the failure of the peace talks that has resulted in Joseph Kony and the LRA continuing their brutal attacks on the people of Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. It grieves us deeply to know that others are still experiencing the brutality we lived through for twenty years.

The Church of Uganda has consistently advocated for peaceful means of conflict resolution. Archbishop Henry Orombi wrote in a January 2006 editorial to Christianity Today, “When you read reports of a certain number of LRA rebels killed by the Ugandan army, remember that these rebels are our abducted and brainwashed children.  When reading about LRA ‘rebels,’ always substitute the word ‘children’ for rebels.  The military solution has failed for 20 years; only genuine dialogue and negotiation has come closest to ending the war.”

Invisible Children have been a good partner with the Church of Uganda, and we thank them for standing with us when we were working to keep the need for a peaceful resolution to the war before the government. We also thank them for standing with us in the long and still ongoing process of rebuilding families and communities in Northern Uganda. They have helped us rebuild schools, send children to school, and build capacity among our teachers through training and exchange trips. It is unfortunate, however, that there was not a wider consultation with the local community on how to portray the current challenges facing the people of Northern Uganda and to accurately let them speak in their own voice.

The successful use of social marketing to get out a message is commendable and we urge Invisible Children to empower Ugandans with these tools and skills to enable their voices to be heard and appreciated.

While Invisible Children have been a good partner with the Church of Uganda, they are not the only organization working in Northern Uganda. The Church of Uganda, through its dioceses working in the affected areas, has a number of programmes related to rebuilding educational infrastructure, improving health services, providing water and sanitation services, orphan care, and community development projects. The Church is in every village with schools and health centres, is in touch with needs at the grassroots, and has a solid accountability structure. Some people may want to support the ongoing efforts to restore normal life to the people of Northern Uganda through other organizations.  Tax-deductible contributions for Church of Uganda projects that address current concerns in Northern Uganda can be sent to the US-based Anglican Relief and Development Fund, with a notation marked “Northern Uganda Rehabilitation” – www.anglicanaid.net.

Where the congregation was used to sharp-suited pastors, what they got that evening was a six foot, five inch man in the ubiquitous, almost monotonous, maroon shirt and ‘dog’ collar, the kind of down-to-earth person that Ugandans call “a son of the soil”.

Read more from 11th January 2012 issue of The Monitor.

Press Conference, 11^th January 2012

I welcome you all to the Provincial office and want to wish you a Happy New Year! We thank God for you and that He has enabled you to pass into 2012.

As you know, on Sunday we inaugurated the 34^th Diocese of the Church of Uganda in Ntungamo – South Ankole Diocese – and consecrated its first Bishop – Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe. During that service I shared that on Saturday I informed the House of Bishops that I intended to retire at the end of this year, and I was calling for the election of the next Archbishop.

My passion as a Christian and a leader is preaching the Gospel, and that has been my life-long calling. When I have been invited to our Dioceses on pastoral visits, I have always made it an opportunity to preach and invite people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  So, I want to devote the rest of my life, while I am still able, to fulfilling this calling full-time.

The Constitution for the Church of Uganda is very clear that Archbishops serve only a ten-year term, and no more. If they reach the age of 65 before the end of their term, they must retire. If their ten-year term ends before they turn 65, they must retire. For me, my ten-year term was set to expire in January 2014 when I was still 64 years old. So, I am only retiring one-year early in order to focus on a ministry of preaching.

The Constitution is also very clear about the process of electing Archbishops.

• An Archbishop must be at least 50 years old. Currently, out of our 36 Bishops, 29 are 50 years and older, and are, therefore, eligible to become the Archbishop.
• An election of an Archbishop can’t take place if there is any Diocese without a Bishop. So, all Dioceses must have a Bishop in office, which we currently do.

June 22 this year the House of Bishops will come together and elect an Archbishop.

Once we know who has been elected as the next Archbishop, that Bishop will go through a process of saying farewell to his Diocese, because he will shift to Kampala and also become the Bishop of Kampala Diocese. Likewise, that Diocese will begin the process of electing a new Bishop.

It’s my expectation that the enthronement of the new Archbishop will take place in December. At that time, I will hand over the pastoral staff to the new Archbishop who will then be invested with the authority to lead the Church of Uganda as Archbishop.

The Presiding bishop at the enthronement is the Dean of the Province.

For me, I will retire to Nebbi where I have my personal home and continue serving the Lord through preaching while based there.

Until December, I will continue to do the work of the Archbishop and the Bishop of Kampala Diocese.  I have enjoyed working with you and thank you for the way you have supported me and the Church of Uganda during my time as Archbishop. I do look forward to this last year with you and believe that we will continue to have an impact on our great country of Uganda, especially as we look forward to celebrating our 50^th anniversary of independence.

I want to call upon all people of Uganda to join us in prayer for this great exercise.  God, who knows who my successor will be, will take charge if we allow him to do so by prayer.

Thank you very much for coming.

The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi

ARCHBISHOP OF CHURCH OF UGANDA.

Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi has called for the election of the next Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. The announcement came during a regularly scheduled meeting of the House of Bishops on Saturday, 7th January, in Mbarara.

Archbishop Orombi confirmed the announcement in Ntungamo on Sunday, 8th January, during the consecration and enthronement of the new Bishop of South Ankole Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe.

The election of the next Archbishop will take place in June 2012 by the House of Bishops. The enthronement of the new Archbishop will take place in December 2012.

Archbishop Orombi was elected in July 2003 and enthroned as Archbishop on 25th January 2004.

Archbishops in the Church of Uganda serve a ten-year term and must retire by the age of 65 or at the conclusion of their ten-year term, whichever comes first.

Orombi’s ten-year term was set to expire in January 2014, before he turned 65.

Orombi decided to retire one year early, saying, “I want to use my retirement to preach the Gospel single-heartedly. This has been my single passion and I want to fulfill the call while I can still do it.”

Orombi’s tenure as Archbishop has been marked by reconciliation within conflicted Dioceses, infrastructure development at the Provincial Offices in Namirembe, launching a Decade of Mission, streamlining Provincial operations, a serious engagement with youth around the country, campaigns to eliminate child and human sacrifice, and the long-awaited construction of Church House.

Orombi has been a significant leader and speaker internationally, providing encouragement for the emergence of the Global South churches as leaders for Biblical faithfulness within the worldwide Anglican Communion and interdenominationally.

The angel of the Lord told Joseph, “Mary will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1.21)  The name ‘Jesus’ literally means “The Lord saves.”

The world into which Jesus was born was not a good place. His Jewish people did not have their own country; they were living under an oppressive, colonial government. Their Roman overlords were corrupt, harsh, and recruited other Jews to extort money from them through outrageously high taxes. Zaccheus was one of those Jewish tax collectors the Romans recruited. He stole a lot of money from his people in order to make himself rich at their expense.

There was a lot of idolatry in the occupying government and among the colonialists. They burned incense to the Roman King, and even sacrificed children to other gods.

There was also a lot of immorality in the world into which Jesus was born. There was financial corruption. People engaged in sexual immorality and did many sinful things to satisfy their sexual appetites. They had many sexual relations and then had abortions to kill the children conceived by those unions. There was also homosexual practice, and widows and orphans were abandoned and left to fend for themselves.

The world into which Jesus was born was not a nice place. And, yet, it sounds a lot like our Uganda of today – except that we have our own independence and freedom. We no longer have colonial overlords. Instead, our corruption means one Ugandan is stealing from another Ugandan. We are doing these things to ourselves.

The Uganda of today faces many of the same challenges as the world into which Jesus was born:
•    Corruption has reached epic proportions;
•    There has been a resurgence of idolatry, witchcraft, and human sacrifice;
•    Sexual immorality is killing our people;
•    Greed and selfishness are rampant and leave many people, especially widows and orphans, in helpless states.

And, yet, at this time of the year, we celebrate and remember the birth of a unique baby – one called Jesus because “he will save people from their sins.” As we come to the close of 2011 and prepare to enter 2012, there is still hope for our Uganda because Jesus’ name still means “he will save people from their sins.”

There is still hope for our families and our country…because Jesus is still the Saviour of the world. Our government is very important to the proper order and functioning of our country, but the government is not the Saviour. Only Jesus is the Saviour, because his name still means “he will save people from their sins.”

The best our government can do – the IGG, the Anti-Corruption Court, laws passed by Parliament and enforced by our police and other agencies – is to give us moral and civil speed governors, external rules that are followed by us only because the police force or Parliamentary Investigative Committees have been expanded to put fear into our hearts and ensure our compliance and proper behavior.

But, God said through the Prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament, “The time is coming when I will make a new covenant…It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers….This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel…I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.”

In other words, my fellow Ugandans, we must acknowledge that the problem beneath our rampant corruption, witchcraft, child sacrifice, domestic violence, and immorality is the problem of a sinful human heart. Only Jesus. whose laws of love are written on our hearts because he lives in our hearts, can solve this problem Only acknowledging our human problem of a corrupt heart will lead us to the ultimate and true solution to our problems – Jesus – because his name still means “he will save people from their sins.”

So, this Christmas season I want to thank our government for doing the hard work of rooting out corruption through the means available to them. Please, continue to shine light in all the corners of darkness, not just the high profile ones. And, please, follow through on all cases.

But, we must never think this is the only hope available to us. There is always hope because Jesus was born and his name still means “he will save people from their sins.”

So, this Christmas, I want to encourage all of us to dedicate or rededicate our lives to Jesus. In the challenges of our Uganda today, which are no worse than the challenges of the world into which Jesus was born, Jesus is our only hope…because his name still means “he will save people from their sins.”

I send warm Christmas greetings to President Yoweri Museveni, Maama Janet and their entire family and all our government leaders. I also send sincere greetings, along with prayers for a blessed Christmas for the Kabaka and Nabagereka of Buganda, and for our Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Pentecostal brethren, and all those who have looked in hope for the coming of the One who will save people from their sins, Jesus the Christ.

To God be the glory.

The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi
ARCHBISHOP, CHURCH OF UGANDA.

THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS OF THE CHURCH OF THE PROVINCE OF UGANDA ELECTS NEW BISHOP FOR THE NEWLY CREATED DIOCESE OF SOUTH ANKOLE

The House of Bishops of the Church of the Province of Uganda sitting at Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo, September 28, 2011 elected Rev. Canon Nathan Ahimbisibwe as the 1^st Diocesan Bishop of the newly created South Ankole Diocese. The Diocese was carved out both Ankole and West Ankole Dioceses.

The Rev. Canon Nathan Ahimbisibwe holds a Masters of Arts Degree in Christian Education from the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississipi in the USA; a Bachelor of Divinity from Uganda Christian Universty, Mukono and a Diploma in Education.

He joined the priesthood in 1997 under the Diocese of Ankole and was appointed Canon of St. Peter’s Cathedral, Bweranyangi. Rev. Canon Ahimbisibwe has served as Lecturer at Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara; Tutor of theological Education by Extension in Ankole Diocese; and Director of Admissions/ Lecturer at Uganda Bible Institute. He has also served on various Boards.

Currently, he serves as the Chaplain at St. James Chapel, Makerere University Business School.  He is married to Lillian Ahimibisbwe and they have four children together.

His consecration and enthronement will take place at St. Matthew’s Church Kyamate, Ntungamo on the January 8, 2012.

Signed,

Rev. Canon George Bagamuhunda

PROVINCIAL SECRETARY

ARCHBISHOP’S EASTER MESSAGE 2011

APRIL 21, 2011

CELEBRATING VICTORY OVER THE TROUBLES OF THIS WORLD

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.”

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

When Jesus made the profound declaration, “I have overcome the world”, the disciples must have thought he meant that the end of all their earthly troubles was near. They must have been excited at the prospect of the Messiah overcoming the current leadership and taking over the affairs of all Israel, if you like.

But a few chapters on, the Bible tells us that the disciples were faced with the reality of Jesus’ death, and the pain and disappointment they experienced; the agony of watching their dreams crushed right infront of their eyes.

2000 years later, societies have since grown and developed in many aspects, but we remain the same as humans. Human beings always hope for a better tomorrow, keep trying when they could have given up; keep believing in the power of miracles to make their worlds better. Like the disciples, we cling to every hope that we are given as an ultimate solution to our problems. We cling to money, we cling to power, we cling to Charismatic leaders and to those we believe can bring about the change we hope for.

And many times, like in the chapters that follow this passage- we become disillusioned. We are crushed when our expectations remain unmet. When food and fuel prices are soaring; when our young ones remain unemployed; and when our mothers, wives and sisters die during child birth. Like the disciples, we wonder what happened to the solution we had so much hope and faith in to make our world a better place.

The truth is, we cannot forget the fact that Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” Our troubles are not only physical, but also spiritual, and emotional. We have all sorts of troubles, unending, like a vicious cycle. And we ask ourselves, why is life so hard? When will the days get better? When will we see no trouble? When will our tears stop flowing? When will this end?

Brothers and Sisters, the truth of the matter is that while we are here on earth, our troubles will continue. That is why, it is important to look to the one who overcame the world for victory over your worldly troubles. He made the world, he knows the troubles of the world and he alone can give you grace for your troubles.

The resurrection of Christ is the one assurance we have that we too will overcome the world and its troubles. Jesus’ act of dying and rising again, gives us a different attitude towards the trouble we experience here on earth.

It is true that at the moment, the cost of living in Uganda is very high. The levels of disgruntlement are manifested in the headlines of our papers and on the screen. The growing number of street children, high morbidity rates, poor nutrition and social abominations like child sacrifice rage on. How can we face the challenges of our time?

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Jesus is also the provider of all our needs; after all he owns Heaven and Earth. It is about time that we realise that our victory over the troubles we face lies in Jesus alone.

Ugandans, your faith is under test. Will you look to Him who remembered you even at his darkest moment.

In the act of dying on the cross, Jesus catered for all these things. At the cross we find freedom from the power sin and death. Through Jesus we find much needed peace to carry us through the storms of life and only through Jesus do we actually get the wisdom to find solutions to our troubles.

My prayer this holiday is that each one of will take time to reflect on the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection; to know that through his death, we receive victory over the world and its challenges.

May you be inspired by Christ’s attitude towards those who oppressed him and abused his rights- that you too will always be forgiving and tolerant of others different from yourselves.

May those in leadership also learn fom Christ; he used his authority not to oppress the poor but to lift them and bring healing and hope into their lives. Leaders are servants of the people, using your power and mechanisms to oppress others is ungodly. Leadership should have space to talk and listen to their people.

Above all, may all Ugandans know and celebrate the victory over sin and death.

I congratulate all Ugandans for completing the elections in relative peace. The fact that you chose to be tolerant of one another and to choose peace over violence is an answer to our prayer. We made a choice to remain a family in spite of our differences.

I send sympathies to those suffering in Japan from the effects of the Tsunami and the nuclear exposure thereafter. I also empathise with all those in the Arab world, particularly, the Christian community as they endure civil unrest and cry for reform. May God comfort all those who call to him in distress.

I ask all Ugandans to continualy adopt peaceful, lawful, and unifying strategies to address their challenges. Disgruntled people should ensure that they do not encroach on the rights of others to go about their business. Government, especially institutions like the Police and Defence forces, should remember that they are servants to the Ugandan people; their duty is to maintain order in society using the most peaceful methods possible. Abuse of power, of authority acts as a catalyst to disgruntlement and produces a vicious cycle of unrest.

I send Easter greetings to His Excellency the President, Maama Janet and the family; The Vice President and his family; The Prime Minister and his family; the Kabaka of Buganda and all cultural leadership and the Members of Parliament in our nation.

I send greetings to all religious leaders in Uganda especially, the Council of Presidents of Inter-religious Council of Uganda, Co-chairs of Uganda Joint Christian Council and all Christians as they celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.

May we make this a season to celebrate the victory we have over our troubles through Christ’s resurrection.

Yes, he is ALIVE!

To God be the Glory!

The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi

ARCHBISHOP OF THE CHURCH OF UGANDA

The 2011 General Election, like the one’s in the recent past, have generated debate of various kinds, including whether it is ‘Christian’ to be involved in the election process.

Christians and non-Christians alike will be directly affected by the outcome of any election. This makes it mandatory for each one to participate in order to ensure that the electoral process is inclusive of all.

The fact that Ugandans have an opportunity to vote attests to the great strides we have made since we attained independence in October 1962.

We have seen power change by military means but we have also seen ascension to office by the peaceful means of the ballot.

Determining the destiny of our nation is the responsbility of every Ugandan of voting age. Abdicating that responsibility to a select few, is infact, dishonouring God, your nation and the values and principles that led Uganda to independence.

Remaining indifferent to your civic responsibility is, perhaps, the saddest affair of all. This nation is ours; and choosing to remain aloof is tantamount to betraying the future of your children and grandchildren.

It should not be taken lightly- this business of choosing leaders. Every Ugandan should take it upon himself to pray that God will indeed affirm His will for our nation. God’s will for this nation is that her people will peacefuly co-exist; that there will be growth and development, good health and economic prosperity.

Whereas the destiny of this nation is in God’s hands, we are his instruments. We therefore must decide on what kind of instruments we want to be. In the past, we were instruments of violence; we oppressed and segregated against each other on religious and tribal grounds. Now, we must choose to be instruments of tolerance and peace.

Peace is a fruit of the spirit of God. Peace is a value that transcends age, colour, gender, social backgrounds, ethnicity, and whatever other differences we may have. Love is the channel through which peace flows and when you love each other you cannot afford but to live in peace.

Each one of us must make it our responsibility to be not just a peacekeeper, but also a peacemaker. Our Lord declares, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.’ (Matthew 5:9)

Choose to be peacemakers where you could choose otherwise by choosing to vote peacefully. Peace begins with an individual and you are that individual.

We must not forget where we have come from. We must not forget what we desire to achieve as a nation; a country free of corruption, disease, civil strife, and perpetual poverty. Every Ugandan should be persuaded of this.  Every Ugandan should aspire for this. Our power lies in taking up our responsibility to vote. You have the key in voting the right people- men and women of peace.

Ultimately, the people may have good will, but the responsibility to ensure enabling factors for peace is with the leadership. Those seeking elective office can choose to be the orchestrators of violence or embody a violent free attitude towards election.

Experience has shown that the young people- who are the majority- end up being used as pawns in this quest for power. They forget that the violence they choose to engage in makes their quest for a brighter future slip further away. The time is now to rethink your strategies, young people.

Experience has also shown that many seeking office do so with selfish interests. Prayer is one way in which God will help us discern good from evil. Authority comes from God; we cannot all be leaders. Uganda is one body; we all play very important functions, but it is important that we appreciate that not all of us can be leaders at the same level or the same time. There can only be one President; one MP from one constituency, one LCV at a given time.

Will you choose a leader who will embody the value of unity for all Ugandans. Choose a leader who is exemplery in his or her ways. Choose a leader who listens to counsel. Above all, choose leaders who fear God.

Whatever your persuasion, it is imperative that you conduct yourself in a manner that promotes goodwill, and allows others to enjoy their basic human rights in a peaceful and violent free environment. We are bound to be emotional but we can be considerate knowing that next to you is a neighbour who is also created in the image of God. Care for him or her.

Our motto and our anthem declare strong allegiance to God. God knows our history and our future. We can depend on him to guide us through this election. But we must choose to be his ambassadors by choosing to be Christ-like. Let the coming election honour God by how we shall handle each other as Ugandans, whatever your calling may be.

Yes, voting is God’s business too. It is your duty to ensure that each of you plays your part in ensuring that the election is peaceful, transparent, safe, secure, and above all a true reflection of the will of the people.

May God guide us come Friday February 18^th to responsibly determine the destiny of the Nation of Uganda.

May His peace cover our nation from East to West and from North to South. May He grant you wisdom and health to celebrate what He has in store for us.

Go and vote; God would have you do no less.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.