Politics 17 July 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Church Urges MPs to Prioritize Truth and Integrity in Public Service
Bishop Constantine Rupiny has called upon Members of Parliament and government officials to champion truth, integrity, and selfless service, warning that betraying public trust for personal gain hinders national progress. The appeal was made during a special Mass at Parliament commemorating the patron saints of leaders. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4504/church-mps-uphold-truth
Members of Parliament and government officials have been implored to uphold the principles of truth, integrity, and selfless leadership in their public duties. The Rt Rev. Dr. Constantine Rupiny, Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese, emphasized that compromising public trust for personal benefit ultimately obstructs the country’s development.
His remarks came during a High Mass held at Parliament on Thursday, July 16, 2026, an occasion to celebrate the feast day of St. Thomas More and St. Mukasa Balikuddembe, recognized as the patron saints of statesmen and stateswomen.
Drawing inspiration from the First Letter of St. Peter and the exemplary lives of St. Moore and St. Balikuddembe, Bishop Rupiny challenged leaders to remain firm in their commitment to truth, even when faced with pressures to deviate from their values. He highlighted the Alur concept of ‘Aja,’ which signifies truth and truthful conduct, urging leaders to resist the allure of wealth, power, and self-interest.
“Truth and living in truth can be compromised by ‘ringu’ [beef], good living, money and power. These can easily make us abandon Aja, the path of truth,” the Bishop stated. He urged the legislators to emulate the integrity displayed by St. Moore and St. Balikuddembe in their public roles.
The Bishop encouraged the lawmakers of the 12th Parliament to adopt truth as their fundamental guiding principle throughout their tenure and to embrace generosity in their service to the nation. He expressed a prayer for divine blessing upon the MPs, desiring that they live truthfully for the welfare of the Ugandan people, suggesting that “It is better for one to have little than to accumulate everything for themselves.”
Bishop Rupiny also acknowledged the crucial role religious leaders play in fostering peace nationwide by engaging communities during times of uncertainty and tension, encouraging their continued support for the work of legislators. The solemn call served as a spiritual reminder of the ethical standards expected in public office.
Source: Parliament of Uganda