By Emmanuel Okol

Fr. Patrick Achedu has urged politicians across Katakwi district, Teso sub-region, and Uganda at large, to embrace God's peace and harmony during their campaigns.

Fr. Achedu made this passionate appeal while leading a requiem mass at the burial of the late Mzei Silver Eilor in Igola village, Alogook parish, Katakwi sub-county, Katakwi district, on Friday, November 14, 2025.

Highlighting the divisive nature of past political contests, Fr. Achedu emphasized that politicians often "intend to hate each other during the time of campaigns instead of depicting love and unity, because after politics we still need each other." He cautioned the grieving family of the late Eilor to also remain united, stating, "we need to continue calling the grace of God which will prevail from hatred."

The priest quoted the book of Romans 13:1-3, which stresses submission to governing authorities as divinely established, adding that rebellion against such authority brings judgment.

The late Mzei Silver Eilor, 73, a respected retired cashier in Soroti district, succumbed to hypertension, prostate cancer, and cardiac arrest. He was celebrated for his contributions to public service, having worked as a correspondent in Katakwi sub-county in 1981, a cashier in 1990, and a court assistant.

The funeral gathering also became a platform for political leaders to echo calls for peaceful conduct and advocate for development.

Hon. Bob Owiny, the NRM flag bearer for LCV Soroti district, applauded the late Mr. Eilor for his significant contribution to Uganda's development. He urged the people of Teso sub-region to support and vote for "vibrant leaders" such as H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and H.E. Vice President Rtd Maj. Jessica Rose Alupo Epel, for the continued development of the sub-region and the country.

Augustine Otuko, an independent aspirant for Ngariam county, also rallied the community to emulate the late Eilor's respectable deeds. He appealed to the public to vote for visionary leaders focused on development, rather than those driven by monetary gain.

Stephen Ilemukorit Okure, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Katakwi district and a family friend, appreciated Eilor's humanitarian journey. The RDC also assured the public that his office has laid out plans to curb violence and arrest individuals who attempt to fuel divisionism during campaigns and elections.

Hon. Bosco Okiror, Member of Parliament for Usuk county, stressed the importance of respect and peace during the upcoming elections. He called upon residents of Katakwi and Teso sub-region to focus on household poverty eradication programs and shun the politics of violence.

Vice President H.E. Jessica Rose Alupo Epel, also present, began by thanking the church for its role in shaping people's souls. Alupo urged the community to embrace government projects aimed at eradicating poverty. She highlighted that the peace and security brought by President Museveni to the region should be leveraged to revive economic prosperity in the sub-region.

Reiterating the calls for calm, VP Alupo urged Ugandans to desist from politics of hatred and violence, instead embracing peaceful general elections. She further encouraged Ugandans to vote for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, crediting him for the peace and development that have liberated the country from conflicts that plagued it for a long time.