By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, has said that Christmas offers the nation its most important preparation for peaceful, free, and fair elections, calling on Ugandans to allow Christ to first transform their hearts before seeking political change.
The Bishop made the remarks in his Christmas message to the Curia during the End of Year Mass held at the Diocesan Offices, Daniel Comboni, Bar Ogole.
He said that as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the country is also entering a sensitive civic period ahead of the coming elections, a moment that calls for deep listening to the Word of God and honest examination of faith and conscience.
Bishop Wanok said Christmas reminds believers that Uganda belongs to God and that every citizen carries a responsibility to ensure elections are conducted in freedom, fairness, friendship, and love.
Reflecting on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the Bishop said the birth of Christ reveals a God who chooses to journey quietly with His people not through force, intimidation, or raw power, but through humility, faithfulness, and closeness to humanity.
He noted that the humility of God, often mistaken by the world as weakness or foolishness, is in fact His greatest strength, one that changes hearts before changing structures.
Drawing from Matthew’s Gospel, Bishop Wanok highlighted the example of Joseph, whom Scripture describes simply as “a just man.” Faced with fear, confusion, and uncertainty, Joseph chose what was right before God, refusing to harm, shame, or act out of anger toward Mary.
The Bishop said Joseph’s response teaches society that righteousness is often expressed through quiet discernment, prayer, and a willingness to listen to God before reacting in anger or fear. By protecting life in a moment of uncertainty, Joseph offers a model for personal and national leadership.
Turning to Luke’s Gospel, Bishop Wanok reflected on Mary’s Magnificat, describing it as a proclamation of courageous faith. He said Mary trusted God to lift up the lowly and to judge history with justice and mercy, without inciting hatred or violence.
The Bishop said the leadership of Joseph and Mary, beginning within the family, offers a powerful lesson for leadership in the nation, leadership grounded in humility, faith, and trust in God rather than aggression or intimidation.
Speaking on the meaning of Christmas for society, Bishop Wanok emphasized respect for the poor and the youth, noting that young people are searching for direction as they learn from the past and navigate the present. He warned that no person should ever be exploited because of poverty, frustration, or vulnerability.
He said the buying of votes through money or material inducements is incompatible with the dignity of the human person, stressing that no amount of money can purchase a person’s right or conscience.
The Bishop cautioned against leaders who spread hatred, division, and confusion, saying such behavior is a clear sign of destructive leadership. He condemned acts such as tearing down opponents’ posters or inciting quarrels, warning that leaders driven by hatred ultimately destroy both people and the nation.
Bishop Wanok reaffirmed that the Church, during Christmas and beyond, must remain a space of peace. He said all Church institutions, including churches, schools, and hospitals must remain non-partisan, welcoming all people regardless of political affiliation.
“For the Church,” he said, “every human being must find a place of prayer, guidance, reconciliation, and healing.”
He added that Christianity and Islam alike are rooted in peace, reminding the faithful that Christ is the Prince of Peace and that religion, understood as humanity’s attachment to God, must always lead to peace rather than division.
Turning to the local Church, Bishop Wanok said the people of Lira Diocese and the wider Lango Sub-region are called to a renewed commitment to peace, unity, and hospitality, welcoming all people regardless of origin, belief, or background.
Mindful of the region’s history and the wounds caused by past conflicts, the Bishop said the Diocese is recommitting itself to healing and solidarity through Caritas, sharing resources and building peace within families, Small Christian Communities, and parishes.
He urged the faithful to focus on preparing their hearts and homes to receive Christ, noting that true discernment including choosing leaders must be done in prayer, silence, and sobriety.
Bishop Wanok warned against noise, drunkenness, and reckless behavior, saying Christ did not come amid chaos but in humility and quietness. He encouraged believers to imitate Joseph and Mary by waiting in prayer, minimizing quarrels, rejecting violence, and protecting one another.
He concluded by praying that the birth of Christ may renew the nation with truth, humility, and hope, and extended his Christmas and New Year wishes to the people of Lira Diocese, the Lango Sub-region, and Uganda at large.
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