By Denis Omony
Archbishop Emeritus Dr. John Baptist Odama has called on Ugandans to embrace peace as the country heads into the general elections.
On January 15, 2026, Ugandans will elect the President and Members of Parliament.
Delivering his Sunday homily at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Gulu City, Bishop Odama expressed concern over brutality linked to security forces.
He urged Ugandans to elect leaders with integrity, those who make decisions guided by honesty, humility, and service to God.
A total of eight presidential candidates have been cleared by the Electoral Commission to contest in the 2026 elections.
President Yoweri Museveni, 81 of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and Bobi Wine of the Unity platform (NUP) are the two front-runners among the all-male list of eight hopefuls.
The other candidates are Frank Bulira (Revolutionary Peoples Party), Robert Kasibante (National Peasants Party), Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party), Nandala Mafabi (Forum for Democratic Charge), Mugisha Muntu ((Alliance for National Transformation) and Mubarak Munyagwa (Common Man’s Party (CMP).
In addition, 2,771 parliamentary candidates are vying for 353 directly elected seats. 146 women representatives – one per local district – will also be elected.
