By Mike Rwothomio 

As tensions rise ahead of the January 2026 general elections, political leaders are calling on clergy to avoid taking sides in politics.

This plea comes just after the nomination of most parliamentary candidates, with campaigns starting on Monday, November 10.

Innocent Godfred Onega, a newly nominated independent candidate for Okoro County stressed that religious leaders should focus on educating their followers about choosing good leaders through fair elections. 

Speaking at a school mass at Paidha Secondary School in Paidha town council recently, led by Bishop Rt. Rev. Constantine Rupiny of the Nebbi Catholic Diocese, Onega addressed priests, students, and other community leaders.

"We ask our priests to remain neutral during this tense political season," Onega said. "We appeal that you don't directly rally support for your chosen candidates. You are like our parents who support all their children equally."

The call follows reports of some clergy openly backing certain candidates among their followers. 

Critics say politics and religion have nowadays mixed too closely, often due to large donations from politicians to cash-strapped churches.

Francis Bolingo, leader of the opposition group in Zombo and a district councilor for Athuma sub-county, echoed the message. "Religious leaders should treat everyone fairly in this sensitive time," he said. "Taking sides could cause divisions."

Religious leaders often help with peace efforts, human rights, community unity, and development goals.

The claims of clergy involvement in party politics equally arose last week during a November 4 meeting to align candidates in Zombo, at Paidha cultural Center in Paidha town council.There, participants urged the electoral body to ensure fairness.

Emmanuel Ogwang, Zombo's returning officer, declined to comment on the reports at length.

 Nationwide, growing concerns about clergy in politics have prompted top religious figures to speak out. 

In September, Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu told church workers to maintain integrity and avoid party ties, focusing on their spiritual duties

Citing the Bible's 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, some argue that religious leaders' main role is spreading faith, not political activism. 

An anonymous cleric in Paidha said, "Even Jesus didn't seek political change. We can preach peace and human rights instead."

Zombo's politics have grown more divided this year, worsened by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party's July primary elections. Many NRM supporters felt the results ignored their preferences, leading them to back independent candidates. This has created sharp rivalries between independents and official NRM nominees.

Issues like vandalizing campaign posters, mostly of independents, have fueled anger among voters. 

"Clergy should speak out against actions like tearing posters because people listen to them," Bolingo added.

The United Nations notes that while religious leaders are key allies globally, their involvement should respect human rights and avoid bias.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information