President Museveni has issued a stern warning against individuals promoting sectarianism, vowing to take decisive action to safeguard national unity.
Speaking during a media interaction at Irena Farm in Irena Village, Ntungamo Sub-county, Ntungamo District, the President underscored the importance of unity and condemned acts of division as he concluded his Parish Development Model (PDM) tour in the Kigezi sub-region.
During the three-day tour, President Museveni visited various farmers, commissioned development projects, and assessed the implementation of the PDM initiative in the region.
The President said sectarianism has no place in Uganda’s leadership and warned that those found guilty of preaching divisive ideologies would face arrest, prosecution, and removal from leadership positions, regardless of their elected status.
“Those people can be arrested and charged, but they can also be removed from leadership, even if elected. If there is proof that you are engaging in sectarianism, you can go to jail, and you can also lose your leadership position,” President Museveni declared.
The President also called on journalists to conduct on-the-ground investigations into the performance of the PDM in the Kigezi sub-region, highlighting the media's role in promoting accountability and transparency.
“You should help me find out how the PDM is performing in different sub-regions across the country,” Museveni urged.
Dr Chris Baryomunsi, the minister for ICT and national guidance, echoed the President’s sentiments, strongly condemning individuals who exploit religion or tribal affiliations to influence leadership. He called on Ugandans to focus on societal transformation rather than divisive tactics.
“I hold in contempt all those who use religion or tribal lenses to assess leaders. We should all condemn that behaviour. We are all Banyakigezi and Ugandans, and our goal should be the transformation of our society,” Dr Baryomunsi said.
Dr John Paul Kasujja, a political analyst and lecturer at Kabale University, noted that in a multicultural society like Uganda, religion and sectarianism often influence leadership appointments from grassroots levels to national offices. He cautioned that such practices hinder effective service delivery to the electorate.
“In a society as diverse as Uganda, sectarianism plays a significant role in choosing leaders. However, it negatively impacts service delivery and divides communities,” Dr Kasujja remarked.
President Museveni’s strong stance against sectarianism is deeply rooted in Uganda’s tumultuous history, where divisive politics have led to conflict and instability.
His warning serves as a call for unity and progress, urging Ugandans to rise above divisions based on religion, tribe, or other narrow identities.
As the PDM gains momentum across the country, the President’s call for accountability and rejection of sectarianism sets the tone for a Uganda focused on inclusive development and social transformation.