Security personnel, religious leaders, youth, and the media have been urged to prioritize peace and national unity throughout Uganda’s election cycle and beyond, amid concerns that these groups are often exploited to fuel political violence.
The call was made on Tuesday in Mbarara during a stakeholder engagement organized by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), focusing on multiparty dialogue and peaceful political participation.
Delivering the keynote address, West Ankole Diocese Bishop Johnson Twinomujuni cautioned religious leaders against using their pulpits to campaign for or against candidates, urging them instead to preach love and unity.
“In other words, do not campaign or de-campaign candidates. Preach love for one another, but when election time comes, go and vote — it’s your right and it’s a secret ballot,” Bishop Twinomujuni said. “It is wrong for a religious leader to promote politics of hate and division. We must put our country first and be ambassadors of peace.”
Participants at the one-day forum raised concerns over human rights violations, harassment by security officers, and partisan conduct by some clerics that undermine public trust in electoral processes.
“We still have our brothers and sisters in uniform harassing us, especially those from the opposition. This needs to end. Think about the time you will be out of that uniform and back among us,” said Faridah Nangozi from the People’s Front Forum (PFF).
Another participant from Kabale decried partisan sermons, saying: “Some religious leaders stand on the pulpit and denounce particular candidates. That is wrong because what they say carries great influence. We need nonpartisan clergy who uphold fairness.”
Commercialization of politics was also cited as a growing source of electoral violence. Participants urged for the professionalization of political institutions and voter education to curb vote buying and monetized campaigns.
“We still have candidates who offer money and small handouts to voters. The commercialization of politics downgrades democracy and discredits leaders of merit,” said Primus Bahiigi Atukwase, the NIMD Country Director.
Speaking to the Nile Post, Bahiigi explained that the “Twongeye” dialogue initiative seeks to promote democracy, civic consciousness, and peaceful elections through inclusive discourse.
“Our country’s politics are still a matter of life and death. The NIMD aims to reawaken civic responsibility and empower citizens to reject politics of money, religion, and division,” he said.
“This program challenges leaders to be statesmen, not dealers, and promotes social cohesion rather than polarization.”
Bishop Twinomujuni also urged young people not to be manipulated into acts of violence, calling on elders to mentor them into responsible leadership.
“Our role now is to guide and nurture young people to take over from us. Like Shakespeare said, there is a time for us to leave the stage — but we must leave it in capable hands,” he said.
