Baalwa urges gratitude, sober voting ahead of 2026 elections

1 January 2026, 8:22 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Assistant Bishop of Kampala Diocese, Rt. Rev. Fredrick Jackson Baalwa, has urged believers to cultivate a culture of gratitude, encouraging them to thank God in all circumstances rather than complain about unmet expectations.

Bishop Baalwa made the remarks during his New Year’s Day sermon at All Saints’ Cathedral, Kampala. He emphasised that gratitude opens the door for God’s miracles, noting that God’s will is for believers to give thanks regardless of the challenges they face.

“Stop complaining about everything. Thanking God opens the door for miracles to happen. The year 2025 had its challenges, but thank God that you made it to 2026, while your friend didn’t,” he said.

Basing his sermon on several biblical scriptures, including John Chapter 6, where Jesus fed thousands with five loaves of bread and two fish, Bishop Baalwa reminded Christians that God can multiply even the little they have when they are thankful.

Turning to the forthcoming general elections, the fifth Assistant Bishop of the Diocese urged Ugandans to actively participate in the electoral process by voting responsibly and with sobriety.

“We are going for elections. Let us go and vote with confidence, but also be sober. Consider whether the person you are voting for can solve Uganda’s problems,” he said.

He further cautioned political leaders against making inflammatory statements that could incite violence, noting that responsible leadership is key to ensuring peaceful elections.

The service was attended by several dignitaries, including politicians Hon. Rebecca Kadaga and Hon. Miria Matembe, who also emphasised the importance of electing knowledgeable and capable leaders.

Meanwhile, the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential flag bearer, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, delivered his end-of-year message at the party headquarters in Kampala, thanking Ugandans for their support and urging them to vote for change in the upcoming general elections.

On his part, President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM party flag bearer, in his end-of-year 2025 address to the nation, rejected the practice of caning lawbreakers by security forces.

“Some police forces cane lawbreakers using batons. I reject this practice; it must stop. Using teargas is legal and non-lethal and is better than bullets, but the police must be more methodical when using teargas or water cannons,” Museveni said.

He added that leaders who view political positions as a source of income become a burden to the country, recalling how he and others left well-paying jobs in 1971 to fight the Idi Amin regime.

Separately, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, recently urged opinion leaders, professionals, and business people from Ntungamo District to safeguard peace for national development.

“Uganda is not perfect, but it stands as a beacon of peace and stability. Your voice is your contribution. Go back, mobilise others, and help them participate. We have only one homeland; let us protect the peace that allows our businesses, families, and nation to thrive,” she said during a meeting at State House, Entebbe.