The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, has called on religious leaders to safeguard Uganda’s longstanding freedom of worship and nurture the culture of tolerance that has historically defined the nation’s religious landscape.
Hon. Oboth made the remarks while opening a three-day symposium for over 90 religious leaders from the Kigezi sub-region.
The event, convened under the theme, “The Interface Between Religious Leaders in Strengthening National Security”, forms part of the activities marking the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary in the region.
Uganda’s diverse faith communities have coexisted peacefully, a feat the Minister credited to both constitutional protection and the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni.
“You will find Christians and Muslims attending the same public event without tension. We must protect this,” Hon. Oboth said.
He encouraged communities to embrace respect and understanding, noting that greetings such as Salaam Alaikum, Shalom, or local salutations carry messages of peace and should never be a source of division.
“You don’t have to belong to a particular faith to respond to a greeting of peace. A greeting is not a declaration of belief,” he added.
The Minister also reminded religious leaders of their influential role in shaping national values, resolving community disputes, and fostering social cohesion.
“Every week, religious leaders address congregations. You are a trusted source of information. When you speak, people listen,” he said.
During the symposium, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (Industry), Hon. David Bahati, urged religious leaders to leverage Inter-Religious Council platforms to promote harmony and encourage a culture of wealth creation within their congregations.
Commitment to Veterans’ Welfare
In a related engagement, Hon. Oboth met with veterans attending a three-day symposium, acknowledging their invaluable service to the nation. He highlighted improvements in pensions, access to healthcare, and amendments to the UPDF Act catering to both active and retired personnel.
“People are no longer afraid of retiring,” he noted, adding that plans are underway to introduce a national day dedicated to veterans.
Earlier, the Minister led senior UPDF officers in laying a wreath at Kabale Stadium in memory of Front for National Salvation activists executed on 10 February 1973 during the Idi Amin regime.
“Today we honour our gallant sons of Kigezi who were summarily executed by the dictator regime of Idi Amin,” Hon. Oboth said.
The site holds the remains of Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi, and Kangire Kagoro David.
The UPDF, under the strategic guidance of the Commander-in-Chief, is constructing a monument to commemorate their sacrifice.
President Museveni is expected to unveil the completed monument on 6 February during Tarehe Sita celebrations.
The wreath-laying marks the start of activities that will trace Kigezi’s liberation history and celebrate the region’s contribution to Uganda’s struggle for freedom.
Hon. Oboth-Oboth was accompanied by the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs), Huda Abason Oleru; Maj Gen James Kinalwa, Joint Staff Human Resource Management; Maj Gen Henry Masiko, Joint Staff Political Commissariat; and Brig Gen Johnson Niwamanya, among others.