Story by Obed Kankiriho
A section of Christians from the Diocese of Kigezi have raised concerns over the conduct of the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, accusing him of openly engaging in partisan politics ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The controversy erupted following Bishop Akanjuna’s public endorsement of Jogo Kenneth Biryabarema during a confirmation service held on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Nyamweru Church of Uganda Parish in Rubanda District.
While addressing the congregation, the Bishop urged Christians to support Biryabarema in the upcoming National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections slated for July 16, describing him as the ideal candidate to lobby for improved services such as roads and education.
Biryabarema is seeking a political comeback after narrowly losing to current Minister of Finance (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, in the 2021 elections.
However, the Bishop’s open support has sparked backlash from some Christians and aspiring candidates, who accuse the Church of bias and sowing seeds of religious division.
Grace Ankunda Bekunda Bwesigye, an aspirant for the Kabale District Woman MP seat, criticized the Diocese for allegedly denying her support while endorsing her opponent, Enid Origumisiriza.
Ankunda described the move as discriminatory and urged the Church to treat all Christians equally regardless of their political affiliations. “My goal is to serve the people, not to chase church approval,” she said.
The rivalry has also led to a public feud between Ankunda and Origumisiriza, both accusing each other of sabotaging campaign activities.
Origumisiriza, who had previously stepped away from politics following her 2021 loss, claims she re-entered the race after being urged by church elders led by Bishop Akanjuna — a claim Ankunda disputes.
She has since demanded a meeting with the Bishop and church leadership for clarification.
Trust Kyomugisha, a Christian from Kitoma in Rubaya Sub-county, Kabale District, and an independent candidate in the upcoming elections, warned that the Bishop’s endorsements could ignite sectarian tensions among voters.
She alleged that Akanjuna’s support for Origumisiriza unfairly disadvantages other contenders, further questioning the Church’s impartiality.
Pierre Mbabazi Ntegyereize, another aspiring candidate for Rubanda East, echoed similar sentiments, cautioning that religious leaders endorsing politicians undermines democratic fairness.
