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By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Lira, 19 January 2026 – Three days after Uganda’s general elections, Rt Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese delivered a thought-provoking homily during the 3rd Mass at Uganda Martyrs Cathedral in Lira City yesterday, 18 January 2026. His message focused on Christian responsibility, leadership, and the moral duty of citizens in choosing leaders.
Bishop Wanok congratulated those who were elected and called for prayers for their success in service to the nation. “We thank God for all leaders, whether they have won or not, and we pray that they lead with integrity, humility, and wisdom,” he said.
Addressing parishioners, Bishop Wanok emphasized that the call of every Christian is summed up in two words: seeing and witnessing. “You see what the Lord is showing you, and you stand for it. You witness for it,” he said, underscoring the importance of identity and responsibility in the life of every believer.
The Bishop reminded the faithful that baptism makes them children of God first, and their identity as Christians precedes any political affiliation. “Before we are voters, before we are candidates, before we belong to any tribe or party, we are servants of God by virtue of baptism,” he stated.
Drawing from the first reading of Isaiah, Bishop Wanok highlighted that God calls each person not only to serve but to be a light to the nations. He stressed that leadership should be understood as service, not reward, warning that when leadership is treated as a privilege for personal gain, corruption and division emerge.
Turning his attention to the local government elections set to begin this week,the Bishop emphasized the importance of electing leaders who understand leadership as service, not reward.“Vote for leaders who, even if defeated, can say, ‘Thank you. Let us cooperate and lead our people together,’” the Bishop advised. He encouraged parishioners to evaluate candidates by their commitment to service, unity, and care for the most vulnerable, including street children and the elderly.
Bishop Wanok also addressed the responsibility of families and elders in shaping values for the next generation. He urged parents and community leaders to promote wisdomover bitterness, resist manipulation and violence, and foster respect for the democratic process.
Highlighting the example of John the Baptist, who pointed to Christ rather than himself, the Bishop drew a parallel with Christian leadership: “True leadership does not cling to power. It serves through sacrifice and cares for the least among us.”
He concluded by calling for prayer for the nation and all candidates, emphasizing that elections are not only civic events but moral responsibilities. “Do not buy or sell your vote. Preserve relationships. Christianity is a relationship of love,” he said, urging unity and reconciliation in the post-election period.
Bishop Wanok’s homily reminded the faithful that while leaders may come and go, the community remains, and the call to live out Christian values and serve the common good continues.
“Here I am, Lord. I come to do Your will,” he prayed, inviting all to reflect on their role in building a just, peaceful, and compassionate Uganda.
