ACCEPT ELECTION RESULTS AND FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT, BISHOP ODONGO URGES LEADERS

By Abraham Ekwaru, Communication Officer Soroti

The Bishop of the Church of Uganda, Soroti Diocese, Rt Rev Kosea Odongo, has urged political leaders and the public to accept the outcomes of the recent elections and instead focus on unity and community development.

The Bishop made the call on Sunday during specially organised prayers held by the Church of Uganda Diocese of Soroti, aimed at promoting political reconciliation, peace and unity following the electoral process. The prayers brought together elected leaders as well as those who lost in the elections.

Among those in attendance were Hon Adoa Hellen, who lost the Woman Member of Parliament seat to Ms Acom Esther, Mr Bobo Owiny, the LC V chairperson-elect for Soroti District, Hon Alobo Joan, the Woman Member of Parliament for Soroti City, and Mr Moses Attan, the Member of Parliament for Soroti East.

Addressing the congregation, Bishop Odongo said leadership is given by God and that political change should be accepted with humility. He urged elected leaders to remain thankful and accountable, while those who were not successful should not lose hope.

“Leadership comes from God, and it is God who replaces leaders,” Bishop Odongo said. “Those who have been voted should thank God for the opportunity to serve. Those who were not voted should also trust God, because He has chosen another person.”

The Bishop challenged leaders to prioritise service delivery and community development, noting that leadership terms pass quickly. He urged elected leaders to remain close to the people and to use their time in office to address the needs of the community.

“I want you to remain close to the people. Five years will pass very fast, and what will matter is how you served,” he said.

Quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Bishop Odongo urged leaders to give thanks in all circumstances. He said electoral defeat should not be interpreted as failure or rejection by God.

“Failure does not mean God does not love you. There is life after defeat. When one door closes, another opens,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Bobo Owiny, the LC V chairperson-elect for Soroti District, thanked the Bishop and the Church of Uganda for organising the prayers, describing them as timely and unifying. He said the initiative would help leaders move past political competition and focus on development.

Mr Owiny pledged to advocate for policies and programmes aimed at improving service delivery and the socio-economic welfare of the people of Soroti District.

Ends

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