SOROTI CITY: As polling day for the presidential and parliamentary elections draws closer, thousands of Catholic faithful have flocked to Fr. Hilder’s Primary School grounds for a special blessing Mass for all political aspirants across the Teso region.
The Mass, organized by the Soroti Catholic Diocese, was presided over by the Right Reverend Joseph Eciru Oliach, Bishop of the Soroti Catholic Diocese.
The celebration also marked the end of the Jubilee Year in the Catholic faith calendar, held under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” The day was dedicated to prayers for peaceful campaigns and elections.
During his homily, Bishop Eciru noted that the Jubilee Year was intended to be a time of renewal, growth in faith, and conversion, enabling believers to gain plenary indulgences through acts such as visiting the sick and prisoners.
“We should have forgiven one another in order to experience the wonders of the Lord. Jubilee year, jubilee people, and a happy year for happy people,” Bishop Eciru said.
“The Jubilee has ended, so what next? The Synod has ended, but in reality, the Synod is just beginning. We remain pilgrims of hope until the end of life. Remember, our destiny is Heaven,” he added.
Hope and Unity Urged Amid Election Tensions
In his message, Bishop Eciru reminded citizens of the importance of hope, especially for politicians during this critical period. He called for continued efforts to mend broken relationships and build unity, while remaining vigilant against individuals who seek to undermine the nation’s progress.
The Bishop emphasized the need for politicians and voters to foster unity and peace during the upcoming 2026–2031 general campaigns and elections.
During the event, Bishop Eciru announced that the diocesan annual conference will be held in Acumet on January 5, 2026. The conference will also mark the commissioning of catechists who recently completed their formation in Bukedea District.
He further revealed that the men’s conference has been closed and announced the diaconate ordination of two candidates—Seminarian Kasian Omongot from St. Pancras Toroma and Emmanuel Omoding from St. Paul Mission Kumi—scheduled for January 9, 2026, in Acumet.
Notable attendees included Vice President Jessica Alupo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeje Odong, State Minister for Fisheries Hellen Adoa, and the Kumam cultural leader, Won Atyeker Raphael Otaya.
While closing the event, Vice President Her Excellency (Rtd) Major Jessica Rose Alupo congratulated the Teso Sub-region for celebrating Christmas peacefully. She attributed the calm festivities to adherence to guidance from church leaders and other stakeholders.
Alupo revealed government plans to improve infrastructure, specifically the tarmacking of the Kumi–Kagwara and Soroti–Serere roads. She noted that funds have already been secured and that construction will commence soon.
The Vice President also reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing teachers’ salaries and urged the population to remain hopeful.
“The government has allocated funds for the construction of more classrooms, recruitment of additional teachers, establishment of more schools and health centers, among other initiatives,” she said.
Alupo urged the public to take advantage of existing government programs to empower themselves through business and farming in order to overcome poverty. At the same event, she pledged to lead efforts to construct a girls’ hostel at Fr. Hilder’s Primary School.
She further urged fellow politicians to exercise love and promote peace throughout the campaign and election period.
Alupo concluded by rallying voters to support His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the upcoming 2026–2031 general elections.
She highlighted the achievements of the NRM government, including peace and security, wealth creation, economic empowerment programs such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, women empowerment initiatives, job creation, Universal Primary Education, and Universal Secondary Education, all under President Museveni’s leadership.
