Former Prime Minister of Uganda and Chairperson of African Global Security, Amama Mbabazi, has urged citizens to turn out in large numbers and vote peacefully in the January 15 elections, warning that election-related violence and sectarianism threaten national unity and democratic institutions.
Speaking to journalists from the Kigezi sub-region at his home in Kanungu, Mbabazi noted that Uganda’s history shows divisions along tribal, religious, or ethnic lines often fuel conflict and instability.
“These sectarian tendencies emerge during these electoral periods, particularly along religious lines. It's not healthy. It has divided our people in the past, weakened our institutions, and slowed our national progress,” he said.
The former Prime Minister emphasized that voting is more than a civic obligation.
“The right to vote is not merely a civic duty. It is a constitutional right and a powerful expression of sovereignty. All power belongs to the people. This power is not abstract. It is exercised in complete and peaceful, regular, free and fair elections,” he said, adding that citizens, through their votes, affirm ownership of the state.
Mbabazi also cautioned that low voter turnout undermines democracy.
“When assessing votes, citizens are not only choosing a leader, they are affirming their ownership of the state. A low turnout weakens democracy and distances the people from the authority exercised in their name,” he explained.
Addressing political actors, he appealed for calm and adherence to the law, stressing that violence erodes social order. He urged voters to reject identity-based politics: “No Ugandan should be judged on the basis of religion, ethnicity, or any other politics of identity. I urge voters to reject sectarianism messages in all their forms and judge candidates on their ideas, integrity, and commitment to national unity and development.”
Despite having contested against President Museveni in the past, Mbabazi commended the President for maintaining stability and continuity.
He called on all Ugandans to safeguard the country’s peace by rejecting violence and divisive politics while exercising their constitutional right to vote.