Members of Parliament and government officials have been urged to uphold truth, integrity and selfless leadership in the discharge of their public duties, with a warning that compromising public trust for personal gain undermines the country’s development.

The call was made by the Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese, Rt Rev. Dr Constantine Rupiny, during a High Mass at Parliament on Thursday, 16 July 2026, to commemorate the feast day of St. Thomas Moore and St. Mukasa Balikuddembe, the patron saints of statesmen and stateswomen.

Drawing from the First Letter of St. Peter and the examples of St. Moore and St. Balikuddembe, the prelate challenged leaders to remain steadfast in truth, even when faced with pressure to compromise their values.

He cited the Alur concept of ‘Aja’ that signifies truth and truth-telling, while encouraging leaders to resist the temptation of wealth, power and personal interests.

“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. St. Moore and St. Balikuddembe exercised integrity in public office, and we must emulate them,” the Bishop said.

He added that the examples of St. Moore and St. Balikuddembe demonstrated the importance of defending truth, even in the face of persecution.

Addressing lawmakers of the 12th Parliament, Bishop Rupiny encouraged them to make truth their guiding principle throughout their term of office, and embrace generosity in service to the nation.

“I have come to pray that the good Lord blesses you that you live in truth, in Aja, for the well-being of the people of this country. It is better for one to have little than to accumulate everything for themselves,” he said.

The Bishop also acknowledged the role religious leaders play in fostering peace across the country by engaging communities during times of uncertainty and tension, and encouraged them to support legislators in their work.