Religious leaders launch peace drive ahead of 2026
Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (2nd right) and the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, who is also the chairperson of Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, launch a mobilisation drive for a peaceful 2026 elections in Mengo, Kampala, on June 23, 2025. PHOTO/GEOFREY MUTUMBA
What you need to know:
- Clerics call for collective effort from all actors, including politicians, civil servants, media, and security personnel, to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) yesterday launched a national mobilisation drive ahead of the 2026 General Election under the theme: “Peaceful, Credible Elections, Stability and Social Cohesion”. The campaign urges all stakeholders to ensure the forthcoming elections are conducted peacefully and transparently.
Despite being invited, security agencies—frequently accused of electoral violence in previous polls—did not attend the launch. The initiative seeks to unite Ugandans across political, social and religious divides, encouraging a commitment to non-violence and integrity in the electoral process. Mr Joshua Kitakule, the Secretary General of IRCU, said: “This launch is not a one-off activity but part of a broader process aimed at fostering a peaceful and credible electoral environment.
When elections are mismanaged, they inflict great suffering. This mobilisation stems from a deep desire to build a more just and peaceful Uganda.” He noted the longstanding role of faith-based institutions in preserving Uganda’s electoral integrity. “We have served as anchors during past elections—providing neutral spaces for dialogue, promoting civic duties, and working to de-escalate tensions.
The IRCU has consistently acted as a moral compass in Uganda’s democratic journey,” he said. The campaign, he explained, will extend beyond the elections, covering all 17 IRCU sub-regions through interfaith engagements, thematic dialogues, and interfaith prayers. Topics to be addressed include corruption, political exclusion, erosion of public trust, and electoral malpractice.
Call to responsibility
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu of the Anglican Church of Uganda called for a collective effort from all actors, including politicians, civil servants, media, and security personnel, to ensure a free and fair electoral process. “As religious leaders, we recognise that peaceful elections do not occur by accident. They are a result of collective responsibility,” he said, adding: “Religious leaders, while primarily offering spiritual guidance, also bear moral responsibility for national peace and stability.” Archbishop Kaziimba said collaboration with the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders will promote unity and civic responsibility. “We cannot stand aloof when the country is at a crossroads.
We must walk with the nation during this critical period,” he said. Archbishop Kaziimba also raised concerns over recent incidents of electoral violence, including in the Kawempe North by-election and the NRM internal polls, where citizens were reportedly brutalised.
“We are disturbed by signs of political violence already evident during party primaries. We appeal to Ugandans to participate in the political process peacefully and respectfully,” he said.
“To all political actors, your words and actions can either build or destroy this country. Elections will come and go, but Uganda remains. Let us debate issues, not attack personalities,” he added.
Security forces under scrutiny
The Archbishop noted the absence of security agencies at the launch, urging them to uphold professionalism and impartiality during the polls. “To our security personnel: thank you for your service. But during this season, remain impartial, act professionally, and protect all citizens regardless of their political affiliation,” he said. He also appealed to religious leaders not to use the pulpit for divisive politics but to foster unity and reconciliation.
“In our churches, mosques, and temples, we welcome all Ugandans. Let us not let partisanship divide our congregations. We must be instruments of healing and national unity,” the cleric said.
Aspiring leaders, he added, must serve with humility and prioritise the nation’s wellbeing.
“Reject egotism. Lead with integrity. To all Ugandans: reject political corruption in all its forms. Your vote is your voice—do not sell it.”
A proactive initiative
Pastor Joshua Lwere, the overseer of Born Again churches and Pentecostals in Uganda, and co-chair of the Council of Presidents, said the mobilisation is the result of months of planning and is intended as a proactive, not reactive, strategy. “This is not a reaction to election fever. We deliberately decided to act early, before things spiral out of control. It is a preventive engagement,” he said, adding: “It aims to build civic literacy, restore moral purpose, and rebuild public trust.”
He described the strategy as a unified response to protect the nation during this critical period. “This is a national response to the urgent need for an inclusive and principled approach. Though facilitated by IRCU, it is not owned by any single institution. It is a shared platform for collective responsibility,” he added.
Media’s critical role
Dr George Lugalambi, the Executive Director of the African Centre for Media Excellence, highlighted the media’s vital role in setting the tone for electoral discourse. He said the Media Sector Working Group is in talks with various actors—including the Electoral Commission and security agencies—to uphold professional standards. “Often, journalists know what to do, but the issue lies in leadership—those who set the tone and direction in newsrooms. That must be addressed,” he said.
He also warned about the growing influence of partisan online platforms seeking to manipulate election coverage. “As a media sector, we commit to this process. This country is our home—media owners and journalists alike. We must protect it, not only through professionalism but as stakeholders in Uganda’s future,” he added.
EC cooperation
Justice Simon Byabakama, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, acknowledged that the election cycle was already underway, with parts of the roadmap completed. “The Commission cannot act alone. Free and fair elections require a collective national effort from all Ugandans who care about the future of this country,” he said, adding: “We are open to working with all stakeholders to ensure a peaceful process.”
He warned against allowing elections to divide the nation: “Elections must not be used to sow instability. Instability benefits no one—it harms us all.” Mr Byabakama revealed that the Commission is engaging with security agencies, including the Uganda Police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), to ensure adherence to legal standards. “We have reminded them to operate within the law and respect the mandates of other institutions,” he said.
