The Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, has called on Uganda’s armed forces to conduct themselves strictly in line with constitutional values during the ongoing campaign and election period, stressing that doing so is essential to preventing unrest and protecting citizens from both “visible and invisible wounds.”
Speaking as keynote presenter at the “Let’s Talk Peace” regional stakeholders’ dialogue held at Brovad Hotel in Masaka, Jjumba emphasized that participatory democracy—where citizens are free to engage in how their country is governed and how national resources are shared—remains the most sustainable path toward peace.
“We must resolve never to take the path of war again. In war, nobody wins. If a soldier takes up arms and ends the life of a young man or woman, neither the fallen nor the soldier is a winner. The gun was never meant to target the citizen. We all come out losers,” he said.
Jjumba further likened national politics to a bus in motion—something no citizen can afford to ignore.
“You must have a say in whether to board it, where it is taking you, at what cost, and if it is safe. Every individual has the right to ask questions and demand answers. Elections must be free, fair, and fearless. Impunity cannot yield peace,” he said.
The Chairperson of the National Consultative Forum (NCF), Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi, who stressed the importance of listening to young people’s concerns.
“As leaders and political parties, we need to give a listening ear to young people. They may not resort to the same methods as previous generations. Peace is everyone’s responsibility—not only those in uniform,” he saidZ
A recent conflict situation analysis conducted in August 2025 by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) warns that electoral violence between political groups and state security forces could escalate beyond levels seen in previous elections if not proactively addressed.
According to NIMD Program Manager, David Mugarra, the study identified 24 electoral violence hotspots—18 categorized as red and six as orange—particularly in districts such as Masaka, Rakai, Lwengo, Sembabule, and Kalangala.
“Uganda is slowly becoming a fragmented and polarised society. Perceived marginalisation, political manipulation, allegations of electoral fraud, media partiality, hate speech, and insufficient civic education are weakening our democratic culture,” he said.
The two-day stakeholders’ dialogue, themed “Safeguarding Democracy Through Peace and Dialogue,” brought together civil society groups, the media, inter-religious leaders, youth and women leaders, opinion leaders, and private-sector actors.
The forum aimed to address drivers of electoral-related violence, encourage engagement with security agencies, reduce political polarisation, promote tolerance and street peaceful coexistence during and after the election period.
Organizers said the gathering created a safe platform for constructive discussion between political actors and the security sector—an essential step in building trust and preventing conflict as Uganda heads into a critical election season.