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In a surprising and bold move, the Catholic Bishops of Uganda have called for widespread participation in the upcoming protest vote, urging citizens to reject bribery and make informed, conscious decisions at the ballot box.
This unexpected plea comes in the wake of increasing political tensions across the country, especially as security forces have been linked to violence and intimidation during campaign rallies, particularly when it comes to the public display of the Ugandan flag.
The call was made by Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa, Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, during a Christmas message to the nation. In his message, the bishop framed the appeal within Christian values of peace, love, and reconciliation.
Zziwa urged Ugandans to approach the election as an opportunity to actively engage in the democratic process, stressing that their participation could send a powerful message of unity and justice in a time when political divisions are deepening.
While the bishops stopped short of explicitly endorsing any political candidate, their message has been widely interpreted as an indirect support for Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, the leader of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP). Known for his advocacy for social change and youth empowerment, Bobi Wine has long been a vocal critic of the current regime, and the bishops’ call to action seems to be a tacit endorsement of his presidential bid. The endorsement, though not direct, resonates with the growing sentiment among Ugandans that the country’s political system needs serious reform.
Bishop Zziwa’s message was clear: the protest vote is not just about rejecting the current government, but about sending a strong message against the political system that has been marred by bribery, corruption, and the exploitation of power. “Make informed choices,” the bishop urged, asking voters to remember that their votes are not for sale and should not be influenced by money. The bishops’ statement is a pointed response to ongoing reports of vote-buying, a practice that has been a persistent problem in Ugandan elections.
In a country where bribery and the misuse of public resources during elections are not uncommon, the bishops’ condemnation of these practices was a bold and necessary step. According to reports, money has often been exchanged for votes, undermining the integrity of the electoral process. By publicly rejecting such practices, the Church is calling on citizens to value their democratic rights and to participate in a way that reflects their moral values and desires for change.
Bishop Zziwa also stressed that the protest vote should not be seen as an act of rebellion but as a peaceful and constructive way to express dissatisfaction with the status quo. “This is not about creating division,” he said, “but about ensuring that the election process reflects the will of the people.”
He further called on Ugandans to keep the peace, despite growing tensions and the intimidation tactics used by some political figures. In a country where election-related violence has been a consistent issue, the Church’s plea for peace was an important reminder of the need to maintain civility in the electoral process.
The bishops’ statement is significant not only for its timing but for its alignment with the political climate in Uganda. In recent years, the country has witnessed increasing disillusionment with the ruling government, with allegations of election rigging, political intimidation, and the silencing of opposition voices. For many, the bishops’ message represents a beacon of hope that religious leaders are now taking a stand against the injustice and corruption they have long witnessed.
However, the bishops’ appeal has not been without controversy. Many government supporters have criticized the Church for stepping into the political arena, accusing the bishops of overstepping their bounds. They argue that the Church’s role should remain spiritual and that political matters should be left to the political parties and the electorate. Some even suggested that the bishops were aligned with the opposition, which has fueled further debate about the separation of religious and political spheres in Uganda.
At the same time, members of the opposition, particularly supporters of Bobi Wine, have hailed the bishops’ call for a protest vote as a courageous and necessary intervention. For them, the Church’s endorsement of a peaceful, nonviolent protest against the current regime represents a significant shift in Uganda’s political narrative. The support from the Catholic Church, an institution that has historically remained neutral in politics, lends weight to the opposition’s argument that the country’s political system is broken and needs to be reformed.
Supporters of Bobi Wine, whose platform is centered on addressing economic inequality, human rights abuses, and youth unemployment, view the bishops’ message as a sign that their fight for change is being recognized. They believe that the Church’s call for active participation in the protest vote will galvanize even more voters, particularly young people who have long been dissatisfied with the current leadership. Bobi Wine has been a vocal advocate for the youth, and his message of hope and change has resonated deeply with those who feel excluded from the political process.
The bishops’ call has also put the spotlight on the growing political violence in Uganda. Over the years, security forces have been accused of intimidating opposition supporters, particularly during election periods. The display of the Ugandan flag has become a point of contention in the ongoing campaigns, with some opposition figures claiming that the flag is being used as a tool of political propaganda. In his Christmas message, Bishop Zziwa expressed concern about the growing role of security forces in political campaigns and called for a more peaceful and respectful approach to electioneering.
This call for peace comes amid ongoing reports of clashes between security forces and opposition supporters. Many Ugandans have expressed concern about the potential for widespread violence in the lead-up to the 2026 elections. The bishops’ message of peace and reconciliation could play a crucial role in mitigating tensions, but whether it will be enough to prevent election-related violence remains uncertain. Nonetheless, it is a reminder to Ugandans that they must take personal responsibility for ensuring that the elections remain peaceful and free from bloodshed.
As the protest vote gains momentum, many are questioning whether it will have a lasting impact on the political landscape. Some believe that it may lead to a significant shift in voter turnout, particularly among younger voters who are looking for an alternative to the ruling government. However, there are concerns that the deep political divisions in the country will make it difficult for a unified opposition vote to emerge. Critics argue that without clear leadership and a coherent message, the protest vote may ultimately be more symbolic than effective.
Yet, for many, the call to participate in the protest vote is seen as an opportunity to reclaim political agency. The bishops’ statement is a direct challenge to those in power, reminding Ugandans that their voices matter and that they should not allow their democratic rights to be compromised by corruption or intimidation. It’s a powerful call to action that encourages citizens to stand up for what they believe in and to vote for the future they want to see.
In the aftermath of the bishops’ message, the political atmosphere in Uganda has grown even more charged. The ruling government has faced widespread criticism for its handling of the election process, with many questioning the fairness of the upcoming polls.
The opposition, however, has found a new sense of hope in the bishops’ call for a protest vote. For them, it’s a sign that the tide may be turning in favor of change, and that their efforts to challenge the status quo are gaining traction.
The bishops’ Christmas message has undoubtedly shifted the political conversation in Uganda, sparking new debates about the role of the Church in politics and the moral responsibility of citizens in the electoral process. While it remains to be seen how the protest vote will ultimately affect the outcome of the 2026 elections, one thing is certain: the Catholic Bishops of Uganda have issued a call that has stirred the conscience of the nation, urging all Ugandans to make their voices heard in a fair and peaceful manner.
As the elections draw nearer, the bishops’ message will continue to resonate with those who believe in the power of democracy and the importance of active participation. Whether their call for a protest vote will lead to meaningful political change is still to be determined, but it has already succeeded in encouraging Ugandans to think critically about their role in shaping the future of their country.
