Oyam, Uganda – Prominent religious leaders in the Lango sub-region have issued a stern warning to political aspirants against turning to witchcraft in their quest for power ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The caution came during the burial of the late Stalon Olong, Chairperson of Oyam Town Council and the Oyam District Business Association, held at Ocala Village in Iceme Sub-County. The event drew local leaders, clergy, and political aspirants across the region.
The Very Rev. Canon Vincent Ogwang, Dean of St. Peter’s Cathedral Aduku in the West Lango Diocese, used the platform to call out what he described as a rise in “spiritual compromise” among leaders.
“As we head towards the 2026 elections, the level of sin is likely to rise,” Canon Ogwang warned. “Many who claim to be Christians will be seen at shrines and witch doctors’ homes in the dead of night, seeking power through unholy means.”
He linked the moral decline in the political sphere—including the turbulence witnessed in Parliament—to such practices. Ogwang contrasted these actions with the spiritual discipline of the Lango people, who he said continue to seek divine guidance for the country.
Rev. Robert Edinga, the Vicar and Archdeacon of Oyam Urban Archdeaconry, emphasized the need for responsible politics. He criticized the growing trend of politicizing funerals, cautioning against draping caskets in party colors or singing partisan songs during burials.
“The dead do not belong to any political party,” he said. “Let us honor them with dignity and spiritual integrity.”
Oyam District LC5 Chairperson, Benson Dilla Oyuku, added his voice to the calls for civility, urging political actors to approach the race with “love, forgiveness, and maturity.”
“Let us not tear each other down. I remain seated in my office and welcome anyone who wants to work together for the good of Oyam,” Dilla said.
Meanwhile, his deputy and UPC LC5 aspirant, Hon. Christ Ongom, assured constituents that political competition between himself and Dilla would not affect public service delivery.
“There is nothing to fear. Politics will come and go, but our commitment to serve remains,” Ongom told the mourners.
The burial also became a platform for various political voices. Hon. Nicholas Opio Awelo, LC3 Chairperson of Iceme Sub-County, criticized the ruling NRM party for failing to offer tangible support to the late Olong’s family, saying, “If NRM truly valued Olong, they should look after his children—not just sing his praises after he is gone.”
His remarks were swiftly addressed by Samuel Junior Engola Okello, a former aspirant in the 2024 Oyam North by-election, who defended Olong against allegations of misusing campaign funds. Okello insisted that Olong had funded most of his campaign personally and called on party members to stop tarnishing his name.
Several aspirants for the Oyam District Woman MP seat also spoke during the ceremony, including Hon. Loyce Bless Ajok Otim, Hon. Stella Anyango (NRM), and Akello Brenda Komagum (UPC), who used the occasion to present their visions to the electorate.
As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 general elections, the messages delivered in Ocala Village echoed a broader call for a return to integrity, unity, and faith-driven leadership in the country’s political process.
