Kampala — Politics has been labelled as a dirty game. This would make some people think that God's people should not get involved in it.

However, in Uganda, as in many other nations of the world, religious leaders have started getting involved in worldly politics. Aidah Nanyonjo talked to the Rev. Fr. Simon Lokodo, Dodoth County MP, who is also a Catholic priest.

QN: Politics is said to be a dirty game. How come a man of God decided to join it?

ANS: It is unfortunate that people have labelled it a dirty game. It's the unscrupulous people who engage in evil acts like corruption that have tarnished politics. I don't see anything wrong with a religious leader joining politics as long as what he does remains in line with Christianity.

The President usually urges religious leaders to stay away from politics. What is your say on this?

Many people have the view that religion has no business getting mixed up with politics. Just because the word 'politics' isn't used in the Bible, they think there is no place for politics in their religion and vice versa.

Whose business would it be, to give people guidance on the morality of matters like war, justice, crime, the treatment and punishment of convicts, gambling, sexism, child labour, pornography, prostitution, poverty, spousal abuse, child abuse, adultery, abortion, and discrimination against minorities, if religious leaders were not there. Religious leaders must be in politics to guide and give a test to Parliament as well as the world.

What does the Bible say about politics or earthly governance?

In John 18:36 Jesus says: "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." However, this does not stop us from joining politics. There are many other verses that support politics and governance in particular.

Did you resign from your pastoral work?

No, I did not resign. You can not resign from God's work, unless you are dead. I am still doing my pastoral work at Kareng Catholic Parish.

How do you balance church work and politics?

It is a matter of being organised. From Monday to Thursday, I am at Parliament, while the remaining days I am at the parish serving God's people.

Politics is associated with lies. Have you fulfilled what you promised your people during the campaigns?

I never promised anybody anything. Unlike my colleagues, I was lucky I didn't campaign for votes. I was just asked by people to represent them. I am serving them because they entrusted me with this post. And whatever I do is for the good of my area, Karamoja and Uganda as a whole.

Why should we have religious leaders in politics?

Having more clerics in politics would go a long way in re-introducing people with extensive experience beyond the enclosed "political village". Moreover, clerics are less likely than others to be influenced by corruption.

Has your participation in politics caused any moral change in the lives of other politicians?

I normally tell them what the Bible says about good leadership and living morally.

What are some of the challenges religious leaders face in active politics?

It is a very challenging task to represent people, especially in this world where corruption and misuse of the rule of law is common. And, speaking for the voiceless and being the enhancer of the people's views is not an easy task.