The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has called upon Ugandans to uphold peace, unity, and mutual respect during the ongoing election season.
In a press statement dated October 8, 2025, Kaziimba and the House of Bishops expressed deep concern for the nation, urging citizens, leaders, and institutions to conduct themselves with integrity, humility, and love as the country approaches the polls.
“Elections often stir emotions, awaken old wounds, and sometimes tempt us to treat one another as enemies rather than fellow Ugandans and children of God. Even though our political opinions may differ, our common identity as God’s people must remain stronger than any division. We are all created in His image,” he said.
Citing Matthew 5:9, Kaziimba reminded Christians of their divine calling to be agents of peace in their families, churches, communities, and political spaces. He urged believers to let their speech be seasoned with grace and their actions guided by the compassion and patience of Christ.
He also quoted Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s words, “If you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies,” calling upon Ugandans to embrace dialogue, forgiveness, and reconciliation rather than revenge or hostility. True peace, he said, flourishes where justice and mercy meet, and humility guards the hearts of all citizens and leaders.
Reaffirming citizens’ constitutional rights, Kaziimba reminded Ugandans that sovereignty belongs to the people, as enshrined in Article 1 of the Constitution.
He emphasised that the power to choose leaders must be exercised peacefully and responsibly, and that freedoms of speech, expression, assembly, and association should be protected while avoiding violence, bribery, and insults.
“With every right comes a duty — the duty to respect those who differ from us, to avoid violence, and to build rather than destroy. True freedom is exercised responsibly, always with the good of others in mind,” he said.
Kaziimba called upon the Government and security agencies to protect citizens, not silence them, and to maintain law and order with professionalism, impartiality, and respect for human dignity.
“Security organs must be guardians of peace, not sources of fear,” he said.
To the Electoral Commission, he appealed for transparency and integrity in managing the electoral process, stressing that public trust depends on impartiality and the announcement of credible results that reflect the will of the people.
Political candidates were encouraged to campaign with honesty, dignity, and fairness, and to discourage their supporters from violence or provocation.
“Accept results with grace and humility for the sake of peace and national unity,” the Kaziimba said.
He also appealed to community leaders to be voices of reconciliation, not division, reminding them that leadership is a sacred trust meant for service to the common good. Quoting Julius Nyerere, he noted, “Without unity, there is no future for Africa.”
Kaziimba also cautioned the faithful not to be used for violence or manipulation.
“No life is worth losing for partisan politics. After elections, we remain neighbours, workmates, brothers, and sisters,” he said. He encouraged all citizens to guard their tongues, promote healing words, and pray continually for peace, leaders, and national institutions.
Quoting Romans 12:18, Kaziimba reminded believers that reconciliation is not a sign of weakness but a mark of strength rooted in the love of Christ.
In line with the Church of Uganda’s 2026 theme, “Anchored in Christ for Unity, Stability and Peace,” Kaziimba urged all Ugandans to remain steadfast in faith and unity before, during, and after the elections ; describing the forthcoming polls as a test of the nation’s spiritual maturity and national unity.
“Christ Himself is our peace, who breaks down walls of hostility and reconciles us to God and to one another,” he said.
Kaziimba also expressed deep concern over the ongoing teachers’ industrial action, noting that the stalemate between teachers and the government has left many children out of school and vulnerable to social risks such as teenage pregnancies and substance abuse.
He urged both parties to reach an amicable resolution for the sake of the nation’s children and encouraged parents and teachers to find alternative means of continuing education, especially for candidates preparing for national examinations.