No campaigns in worship places – religious leaders
Bishop Reuben B. Kisembo, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda’s chairperson for Tooro Region, addresses the media in Fort Portal Tourism City on May 15. PHOTO/ LONGINO MUHINDO
What you need to know:
- The council says aspirants and candidates may be announced in places of worship but will not be allowed to address faithful like in previous electoral seasons
In a bold move to preserve the sanctity of religious spaces, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) Tooro Region has barred political campaigns in places of worship like churches and mosques during the 2026 election cycle.
The resolution announced during an executive meeting in Fort Portal City on May 15, mandates that political aspirants may only be introduced by worship leaders and prayed for but not campaign within sacred premises. “Places of worship must remain sanctuaries for spiritual nourishment, not political rallies,” declared Rev Reuben B.
Kisembo, the IRCU’s chairperson for Tooro Region. Rev Kisembo, who is also the Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, added: “We cannot allow our pulpits and prayer mats to become platforms for division. Faith spaces are for fellowship, not factionalism.” The decision underscores the council’s broader push to uphold ethical standards and national unity as Uganda approaches its elections.
Alongside this measure, IRCU outlined nine additional resolutions aimed at fostering a peaceful, transparent, and inclusive electoral process. The council called on the government to guarantee a level playing field for all candidates, condemning harassment and intimidation of aspirants.
It also urged the Electoral Commission to prioritise transparency to minimise post-election disputes. “Trust in democracy begins with accountability,” Bishop Kisembo emphasised. Security agencies faced sharp criticism for alleged human rights abuses, including unlawful detentions and the use of unmarked vehicles to intimidate civilians. “Masked operatives terrorising citizens erode public confidence,” Bishop Kisembo stated. He added: “Security must protect, not persecute.”
The IRCU urged voters to reject financial inducements from politicians, stressing that leadership “must be earned through merit, vision, and integrity not bought”.
Similarly, candidates were warned against voter bribery. “Leadership is a sacred duty, not a transaction,” Bishop Kisembo said. The council also appealed for unity, encouraging Ugandans to elect leaders based on competence and character, transcending tribal, gender, or political affiliations. “We need God-fearing leaders who serve all citizens,” Bishop Kisembo added.
Political campaigns at burial ceremonies were restricted, with IRCU directing that only three family members speak once formal services begin.
“Grief must not be exploited for gain,” Bishop Kisembo asserted.
The council has also urged candidates to embrace dignity in both victory and defeat. Bishop Kisembo advised: “Celebrate responsibly, and concede honourably…Elections are a marathon, not a battle.” To maintain focus on ethical governance, non-emergency religious fundraising activities were suspended until after the elections. The resolutions reflect IRCU’s commitment to mediating tensions and safeguarding Uganda’s democratic values. “This election must unite, not divide... Our collective duty is to ensure peace prevails for today’s generation and those to come,” Bishop Kisembo added.
Reactions from faithful
Ms Doreen Atugonza from West Rwenzori Diocese (Bundibugyo) said: “The IRCU’s decision to shield our churches from political campaigns is a blessing to every believer. Places of worship are meant to unite us in prayer and reflection, not divide us with partisan agendas.”
Mr Joseph Mumbere, a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church Member from Bundibugyo, said: “As an SDA member, I believe our places of worship should remain sanctuaries of peace, free from the noise of politics. The IRCU’s bold move to restrict campaigns in churches and mosques is a step toward preserving the holiness of these spaces.”
The mayor of Fort Portal City, Rev Willy Muhanga Kintu, welcomed the ban, calling for calm in the temple of God.
“I support the ban and ask my fellow politicians to respect it. However, we urge religious leaders not to stop at banning campaigns in places of worship but also to pray for a peaceful election season. You know, when good people are in leadership, the country rejoices, but when bad people are in leadership, it mourns,” Rev Kintu said.
Mr Geoffrey Bwambale, a parliamentary aspirant for the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Bughendera County, Bundibugyo District, urged religious leaders to address reports of intimidation and abductions targeting Opposition candidates and supporters.
“Religious leaders must speak out loudly against these acts of intimidation and abduction. Silence in the face of injustice only emboldens those who seek to undermine democracy,” he said.
