Religious leaders warn politicians against witchcraft before 2026 elections

29 May 2025, 3:03 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

During the burial of the late Stalon Olong, the Chairperson of Oyam Town Council and the Oyam District Business Association, the Very Rev. Canon Vincent Ogwang, Dean of St. Peter’s Cathedral Aduku in West Lango Diocese cautioned political leaders against seeking power through witchcraft as Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections. The event took place yesterday at Ocala village in Iceme subcounty.

In his speech, Canon Ogwang warned that as the election season approaches, the level of sin among politicians will likely increase, with many turning to witch doctors despite publicly identifying as strong christians.

He attributed the turmoil in parliament to the involvement of politicians in wicked practices, contrasting this with the prayers and devotion of the people of Lango, who focus on seeking God’s guidance for their country.

Rev. Robert Edinga, the Vicar and Archdeacon of Oyam Urban Archdeaconry, urged the people of Lango to engage in responsible and mature politics. He also discouraged the practice of draping caskets in party colors or singing songs that do not glorify God, emphasising that the deceased person does not belong to a particular political party or religion.

Benson Dilla Oyuku, the LC5 Chairperson of Oyam district, echoed these sentiments, reminding political leaders in Oyam and the Lango subregion to approach politics with love and forgiveness. He assured them that he remains seated in his chair, welcoming those who wish to engage with him.

Hon. Christ Ongom, Vice Chairperson of LC5 Oyam and LC5 aspirant under the UPC Party, reassured the people of Oyam that they should not fear his office or that of Benson Dilla despite their aspirations for the same position, stating that political competition will not affect service delivery.

Hon. Nicholas Opio Awelo, the LC3 Chairperson of Iceme subcounty, emphasised that if the NRM party truly valued the late Olong, they should take responsibility for supporting his children, rather than merely honoring him posthumously.

Responding to Awelo’s remarks, Samuel Junior Engola Okello, the former aspirant for Oyam North in the 2024 by-election, expressed frustration over allegations that Olong had misused campaign funds. He defended Olong, asserting that most of the money spent was from Olong’s own pocket, and urged NRM members to stop making such accusations.

Aspirants for the Woman MP seat in Oyam district, including Hon. Loyce Bless Ajok Otim and Hon. Stella Anyango from the NRM party, alongside Akello Brenda Komagum from the UPC party, used the occasion to present their political aspirations to the mourners.