The Church of Uganda has announced a national prayer gathering to pray for the country as it prepares for peaceful and transparent general elections, and to seek God’s intervention in other national challenges — including floods and landslides that have devastated several parts of the country and claimed more than 20 lives.
The announcement was made by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, who said the prayers will be held from November 19th to 22nd at the Anglican Martyrs’ Shrine in Namugongo.
He encouraged all Ugandans to attend and participate in praying for their nation.
Archbishop Kazimba made the call at a time when the country is facing several challenges, including floods and landslides in Bundibugyo District, attacks in Kasese, and increased political tension ahead of the elections.
Kazimba said the Church of Uganda, under his leadership, has organised this prayer gathering to seek God’s guidance and healing for the nation during these difficult times.
Archbishop Kazimba urged Ugandans to prioritise peace and unity as the country approaches the election season. He appealed to all citizens to avoid violence and to ensure that the election process remains peaceful and fair.
“This is the time to pray for our country so that we go through peaceful, free, and fair elections. I encourage all Ugandans to be peacekeepers,” Archbishop Dr. Samuel Kazimba Mugalu emphasised
Archbishop Kazimb further called upon all political leaders at different levels to respect one another and to conduct themselves honourably so that politics does not divide the nation.
“Value self-respect and respect for one another. When we uphold dignity and unity, we remain one people — because politics is only temporary,” Kazimba said.
The Archbishop also emphasised the need to pray for people who have been buried by landslides and for those affected by the recent attacks in Kasese District.
Kazimba also expressed concern over the floods that have hit Kampala City, causing severe disruption, and urged engineers and city planners to take serious steps to manage the situation better and protect the lives and property of residents.
“The floods have greatly affected traders in Kampala. I advise the city authorities to take deliberate action to improve drainage systems and ensure such disasters do not continue to harm people,” Kazimba added.
Archbishop Kazimba also raised concern about the increasing road accidents across the country, which have continued to claim innocent lives. He called upon all drivers to avoid reckless driving and to take responsibility for road safety.
Kazimba further warned against mixing religion with politics, reminding Ugandans that religious leaders are called to guide and shepherd, not to divide or mislead their followers.
“Do not mix politics with religion. Those who do so should stop and uphold respect,”Archbishop Kazimba Mugalu
Finally, Archbishop Kazimba invited all Ugandans to participate in the upcoming national prayer gathering, which will be led by retired Archbishop Rt. Rev. Luke Orombi under the theme:
“We invite everyone to take part in this prayer gathering and to support it in every possible way, including financially,”Archbishop Kazimba concluded