Archbishop Kaziimba slams politicians over witchcraft, voter bribery

Kampala, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT |  The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has questioned the morality of politicians who seek favours from witch doctors and invest heavily in campaigns.

The Archbishop made the remarks during his visit at Uganda Radio Network-URN on Tuesday afternoon. He said that as the country heads towards what is likely to be a heated election, several politicians are also visiting witchdoctors seeking sorcery to win the elections.   

Kaziimba expressed dismay that several politicians have turned to voter bribery, and as such, spend most of their time recouping the campaign investments, instead of performing their duties. This, he referred to a recent parliamentary scorecard which showed several legislators who did not contribute to legislative processes, despite earning salaries for the same. 

The scorecard, a brainchild of the African Leadership Institute assessed legislators on their attendance of plenary and committee sessions, in addition to performance in their constituencies. according to the findings of the report, although parliament performed relatively well in its legislative function, passing 27 laws, it failed to deliver in its representation and appropriation roles.

According to the Archbishop, politics needn’t be seen as a do-or-die game so that whoever is elected serves rightly.

He added that given the history of the country which has been marred with bloodshed during transitions and electoral periods, Ugandans should be careful and ensure that peace prevails.

To bring about peace, Kaziimba appealed to media organisations to be champions of spreading good news noting that what is being produced or broadcast can build or bury the nation, especially during the critical election period that the country is heading.   

Kaziimba who is the Ninth Archbishop of the Province of Church of Uganda was installed in March shortly before churches were closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and as a result, his ministry has largely been through media.

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URN