By Chris Mugasha
As tempers flare between candidates and their supporters in the on-going NRM party primaries, the Bishop of Diocese of West Ankole Rt. Rev Johnson Twinomujuni has come out to express his concern over the manner in which some candidates and their supporters are ‘behaving.’
In a message released today Sunday morning, The Bishop said, “there are words I hear some candidates or supporters speak about the other side and feel ‘oh no, this is too much’!”
The Bishop’s statement comes at a time when in some areas/constituencies across the country campaigns have turned ‘ugly’ with some candidates boxing each other at rallies, candidates bribing supporters with money as one way of convincing them to vote them. Some candidates have turned to using messages which many describe as promoting hate and disunity. Both candidates and their supporters are no longer bothered on explaining the social and economic issues which they intend to address.
The Christians have described Bishop Twinomujuni’s message as timely and thanked him for coming out to guide.
Below is the Bishop’s full statement.
CAMPAIGN WITH CIVILITY – and do not forget LOVE!
Beloved, we are in a challenging time! Election campaigns are getting hotter. Emotions are flaring higher. Villages, towns and cities are on fire!
In all, let us not forget that there’s tomorrow! Let us calm down. Amidst all this, we can still behave right – with civility and love.
Campaigns carry an element of competition, no doubt, but it is possible to compete without hurting one another! There are words I hear some candidates or supporters speak about the other side and feel ‘oh no, this is too much’!
Remember that politics is fleeting. Campaigns are for a season. Seasons come and go. In the aftermath, we remain people of the same relations, locality and establishment. I repeat, do not behave as if there’s no tomorrow!
Your party is not your lifetime brother or sister. Respect yourself and fellow humans beings. Being abusive is a sign of bad upbringing and breeding. What we need in our Parliament and in other positions are leaders of propriety, decency and decorum. Yes, we need those who go to parliament and engage in a smart battle of ideas as they wrestle to come up with what will build our nation, not those who lift chairs to hurt their fellow honorable members!
We need those who qualify as zealous, cultured, and dignified representatives and leaders. As Aristotle puts it, “Dignity consists not in possession of titles, but in deserving them.”
Dear candidates, during campaigns concentrate on why people should give you their votes, not on abusing the incumbent or the intending. Refrain from abuses, and tell your supporters to do the same. Some of the words you utter might become grounds of regret or reason for you to later face courts of law. You can avoid that.
Also, it may be God’s will that you win or lose. Whatever the case, His will is a good and perfect one for you. It may be good for you not to win the elections. Your time to win may be later. Don’t make it a do-or-die thing! As you wrestle, be wise and have an alternative agenda, in case you lose.
Dear supporters, do not allow your conscience to be conditioned or seared through bribery, offers, or promises. Reserve your right to make an objective decision and vote the one you are convinced is the right person.
It is possible to compete or support but still exercise LOVE towards your competitor! Remember that we are all children of the same Father, and we can please Him even amidst this heat of politics.
Remember Christ’s command, “Love one another as I have loved you.” That is a core Christian teaching in John 13:34, which emphasizes a love that mirrors the sacrificial, unconditional love that Jesus demonstrates for his followers. This love is not just a feeling, but an action, a way of life that involves selflessness, humility, forgiveness, and service. It is the defining characteristic of a disciple of Christ. Exercise that LOVE in all situations and circumstances. Whatever the case or task, wish another person well.
Finally, if you have errored in any way, if you have abused or hurt someone, REPENT! Own up and ask for their forgiveness. Also, be ready and willing to FORGIVE.
May the Lord bless you all! Have a wonderful time of a friendly election and joyful celebrations!
Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni,
Bishop of West Ankole.
