By Ceaser Okello
Lira – 24 November 2020: The Bishop of Lira Catholic Diocese Rt. Rev Sanctus Lino Wannock has expressed fears that the political trend in Uganda has turned to be a bloody campaign.
While administering over the second mass at Uganda Martyrs’ Cathedral in Lira City on Sunday, His Lordship said at the beginning of campaign he thought everything was going to be okay.
“I am surprised that the violence has taken over, including killing of innocent Ugandans by security,” he says.
The Bishop stated that there was no need for police and army to use live bullets on unarmed civilians, resulting to the killing of more than 30 opposition supporters (rioters).
On Wednesday and Thursday last week, supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine went on streets in different parts of the country following the arrest of their leader in Luuka district.
Also later arrested was FDC president and a candidate for presidency, Patrick Oboi Amuriat (POA). Both Wine and POA were arrested in what police termed as “flouting Covid-19 SOPs”.
However, Bishop Wannock said this shows that “there is no political will to serve the common person” meaning that there is “no God’s presence in Ugandans politicians”.
“I want to appeal to all actors to care for humanity and desist from violence in this forthcoming election,” the Man of God asks.
He added: “Why must you kill your fellow because of election?”
The Bishop also asked “Christians not to give their votes to corrupt politicians” because “after winning they will not work for them”.
Wannock also appeals for non-violence during campaign, polling dates and after the elections.
Ugandans will elect their new president on January 14, 2021, according to a timetable released by the electoral body last month. Ten candidates are vying for presidency to remove incubment Yoweri Museveni from power.
President Museveni, who’s seeking another term to extend his rule to 40 years, is campaigning using the slogan “Securing Your Future”.