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In a solemn yet powerfully charged ceremony held on Sunday at the Mamre International Prayer Centre in Namugongo Janda, Kira Municipality, the Presiding Bishop of the Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church, Rt. Rev. Dr. Jacinto Kibuuka, ordained one priest and eight deacons, delivering a deeply critical message on the growing commercialization of politics in Uganda.
The ordination saw Rev. Emmanuel Okiria ordained as priest, and eight new deacons—Alex Senyondo, Joakim Ojok, Jerald Ongara, Emmanuel Othi, Dominic Amanzuruku, Julian Wawa, George W. Magaja, and Abel Natale Amaza—officially join the ranks of church leadership. The newly ordained represent dioceses from across the country, including Kampala, Wakiso, Nebbi, Adjumani, Gulu, Lira, and Soroti.
In his homily, Bishop Kibuuka expressed deep concern over what he described as the “hefty commercialization of politics,” warning that such a trend threatens the very foundation of Uganda’s governance and leadership structures.
“Commercialization of politics will cause bad leadership and governance, because they emerge because of money,” Bishop Kibuuka warned. “Therefore, incapable leaders will be in office, and accountability will be eroded. They will be paying debts from where they got campaign money, which leads to the undermining of democratic systems, misappropriation of resources, corruption, and ultimately, criminal governance structures.”
Bishop Kibuuka called on the newly ordained clergy to be bold and truthful voices in society, urging them to stand firm against political and moral evils through prayer, wisdom, and spiritual leadership.
“God ordained you in a troubled world. Do not fear. You have been chosen to uproot, knock down, destroy, overthrow—and to build and to plant His kingdom,” he said. “You are the bridge between God and His people. Be courageous. Speak against the vices not only in our nations, but also in our communities, homes, and hearts.”
He further encouraged the clergy and public to support developmental government initiatives, such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, emphasizing the role of the church in complementing national development through community engagement.
Speaking on behalf of the newly ordained, Rev. Father Emmanuel Okiria expressed heartfelt gratitude to the clergy, family, and church for their unwavering support, while calling for continued prayers.
“This is just the beginning. We are stepping into spiritual warfare, and we need your prayers now more than ever,” he said.
The ordination ceremony was attended by members of the clergy, family, friends, and hundreds of faithful, marking yet another milestone in the growth of the Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church in Uganda.
