Kampala, Uganda – As Uganda prepares for the presidential and parliamentary elections on January 15 2026 Catholic leaders are asking people to stay calm and choose peace.
The President of the Uganda National Catholic Council of Lay Apostolate, Gervase Ndyanabo, shared a Christmas message to Catholics across the country. He asked them to pray, think carefully, and avoid violence as they prepare to vote.
In his message titled “To the Lay Faithful of Uganda”, Ndyanabo reminded Christians that they are called to be salt and light in society. He said faith should guide how people act, even in politics. This message comes at a time when the country is tense after clashes between opposition supporters and security forces.
He said Christmas comes at a special time for Uganda. As the new year begins, people are also preparing for elections. He said many people feel hope but also fear. He reminded Ugandans that the birth of Jesus brings light that is stronger than politics and party differences.
President Yoweri Museveni, who is 81 years old and has ruled since 1986 is seeking another term. He is facing challengers, including opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform. Many critics say there is less freedom for opposition groups.
Recently, police have used high-handedness in handling Bobi Wine’s rallies. This raised fears of violence before the elections. Other leaders, including Mugisha Muntu have warned that such actions could harm peace. The Electoral Commission has also started giving out voter location slips across the country as final plans are made.
Ndyanabo said Catholics should not leave their faith at church. He said faith should guide them even when voting. He asked voters to pray before choosing leaders who respect justice and human dignity.
He also asked people to forgive one another and reject violence, tribalism, and hateful speech, especially on social media. He said after elections people will still live together as one family under God.
The message connects with the 2026 Jubilee theme, Pilgrims of Hope. It encourages Ugandans to see the new year as a time for healing and renewal. Ndyanabo ended his message by praying for peace and asking the Virgin Mary to protect the nation. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a peaceful blessed New Year 2026.
This message comes as other groups take unusual steps during this political season. For the first time, the president of the Uganda Law Society, who is living in exile, supported Opposition candidates. Experts say this shows how serious and tense the elections have become.
As campaigns grow stronger, Ndyanabo’s message reminds Catholics, who make up about forty percent of the population, that true peace comes from God, not from power.
