Leaders need divine wisdom to transform people
By Msgr. John Wynand Katende
Posted on: Saturday, 25th July 2026.
"Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?" – 1Kings 3:9
Ugandans are scheduled to elect their Local Council 1 and Local Council 2 leaders on 28 July 2026 and 10 August 2026, respectively. St. Paul commends those who aspire to lead others, as a good and noble task (1 Timothy 3:1). But they must also be ready to embrace the implications of holding public offices.
In the Christian worldview, the deepest issues facing humanity, such as violence, materialism, polarization, and the ecological crisis, are fundamentally spiritual. They are symptoms of a wounded human nature and a disrupted relationship with God, requiring inner transformation rather than just worldly power, wealth, or technological solutions.
The famous prayer of King Solomon, quoted above, highlights that leadership is a calling from God to serve rather than to be served. It demands selflessness, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility to uplift others with humility and divine guidance. The ability to "discern between good and evil", which Solomon mentions, goes far beyond making basic moral choices. It refers to the gift of counsel, the capacity to see things from God’s perspective and judge every situation according to His truth rather than human prejudice.
God’s wisdom informs leaders that their authority is meant to serve others rather than exert control. The holy scriptures describe good leadership as God-fearing and people-centered. It demands more than just managing information; it requires profound discernment to weigh complex situations and understand the human impact of choices. Leaders need clarity to judge accurately and protect the well-being of those they govern.
Solomon’s prayer serves as a model prayer for all in positions of leadership, reminding them of the required moral rectitude, selflessness, and reliance on divine grace. Because his request was entirely selfless and focused on serving others, God was highly pleased. He granted him incredible wisdom, along with the wealth and glory he hadn’t even asked for. Sadly, Solomon later fell short of divine grace through disobedience to God. God declared that He would tear the kingdom away from his lineage.
The politics of Jesus transcend any human political party or ideology. It is about the government of God that will bring about world peace! He describes His leadership in terms of a mother hen feeding her brood and protecting it from danger (Matthew 23:37).
Referring to them as “the salt of the earth and light of the world”, Jesus confers upon Christians a moral responsibility to influence public policy for the common good, based on Christian values (Matthew 5:13-16). Only from such cadres can emerge exemplary political leaders, who steer the complexities of human relationships and governance.
Throughout history, wisdom is viewed as the ultimate tool for steering the complexities of human relationships and governance. King David, Solomon’s father, is described as a man after God's own heart. His desires, values, and devotion aligned closely with God's own will (1 Samuel 13:14).
Canonized in 2000 by St. Pope John Paul II, Thomas More is the patron saint of statesmen. Statesmanship distinguishes a visionary public servant from a standard politician who may prioritize short-term popularity or winning elections. In 1535, Thomas chose to face execution rather than compromise his conscience and accept King Henry VIII as supreme head of the Church of England.
Uganda celebrates Benedicto K. M. Kiwanuka, as a statesman and first Prime Minister. He was a devoted, educated Catholic leader whose ethical life and defense of the rule of law are highly regarded. He emphasized justice and the integral development of all Ugandans.
Saint Stephen is celebrated as the first Christian King of Hungary and a prime example of Catholic servant leadership. Crowned in the year 1000, with a cross and crown sent by Pope Sylvester II, he successfully transformed a collection of pagan tribes into a unified, Christian European nation.
St. Paul urges us to intercede for all in authority so we can lead peaceful, quiet lives in godliness and dignity. We pray that God surrounds them with wise counselors who seek justice, truth, and the well-being of the people (1 Timothy 2:1–2).