The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has called on residents of the Lango Sub-region to uphold peace, unity, and integrity as the country moves toward the 2026 general elections.
Delivering the council’s message during the Let’s Talk Peace Caravan stopover in Lira City, the Bishop of Lango Diocese, Rt Rev Alfred Olwa, urged the community to reject election-related violence and embrace dialogue and tolerance.
The Peace Caravan, spearheaded by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) under the Tuongea Project, is touring electoral hotspots across Uganda to promote non-violence, civic participation, and peaceful coexistence ahead of the polls.
Addressing a gathering of youth, security officials, religious leaders, and veteran politicians at Mayor’s Gardens, Bishop Olwa said the IRCU’s message was intended to remind citizens of their responsibility to safeguard peace before, during, and after voting.
He noted that while elections are an important expression of democratic choice, they can easily become a source of division if citizens allow selfish interests and manipulation to take root.
“Lango has endured conflict, land tensions, and the frustrations of unemployment. These experiences should not be used to incite fear or hatred during elections,” Bishop Olwa said.
“As religious leaders, we are not here as politicians but as shepherds and watchmen committed to guiding our communities toward justice, unity, and nation-building.”
He told voters to reject bribery, intimidation, and personality-based politics, saying such practices weaken accountability and undermine development.
“Demand fair and issue-based campaigns from all candidates, choose leaders of integrity, and avoid being manipulated into violence. Your future is more valuable than any small handout,” Bishop Olwa said.
The Bishop called on security forces in the region to exhibit professionalism and respect for human rights throughout the election period, warning that heavy-handed policing, including unlawful detentions and brutality, can escalate tensions and erode public trust.
“When security officers act with restraint and humility, they become partners in peace, not agents of fear,” he said.
Veteran politician Joel Aliro Omara noted that past elections in parts of northern Uganda had been marred by hostility and intolerance and urged political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric that fuels long-lasting divisions.
Northern Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, cautioned political supporters, especially young people, against defacing campaign posters, destroying rival campaign materials, and engaging in confrontations.
“Destroying posters or attacking opponents does not make your candidate stronger. Let everyone campaign freely,” Okema said, adding that police have heightened community sensitisation on electoral offences and will take action against provocation and vandalism.
The Peace Caravan stopover in Lira brought together religious leaders, security commanders, youth groups, local artists, boda boda riders, and civil society actors.
Activities included peace concerts, community dialogues, and interactive sessions encouraging residents to conduct themselves responsibly during the election season.
Organisers said the caravan aims to create safe spaces where communities can openly discuss concerns like misinformation, political intolerance, and the pressures that often lead young people into election-related chaos.
