Religious Leaders Urge Peace and Responsible Voting Ahead of 2026 Elections

Kampala – As Uganda celebrates Christmas 2025, religious leaders across the country are calling on citizens to uphold peace, justice, and respect for one another, particularly in the lead-up to the January 15, 2026, general elections.

Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, led Christmas prayers at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, urging Ugandans, regardless of political affiliation, to treat each other with respect. “Teams are there to compete and will always have followers, but there will always be the bigger team with a bigger number of fans, which shows how mighty it is,” he said, likening politics to a football game.

Among those in attendance were former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and his wife Jacqueline Mbabazi, State Minister for Persons with Disabilities Hellen Asamo, the head of State House Investors Protection Unit Col Edith Nakalema, and Uganda Revenue Authority Commissioner General John Rukooki.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala Archdiocese reinforced the call for non-violence, emphasising that peace is tied to credible elections. “Ugandans must reject violence, hatred, division, and repression. True peace depends on fair and free elections,” he said, urging political leaders, security forces, and citizens to promote dialogue, forgiveness, and mutual respect ahead of the polls.

Other clergy also voiced similar messages:

Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Serverus Jjumba, said, “The law is clear; people who are willing to remain near the polling stations after casting their votes are free to do so if they are 20 meters away and in full observance of the law to avoid causing chaos. So, there shouldn’t be any obstacles for people to enjoy their freedom.”

Pastor Robert Kayanja called on security agencies to exercise restraint, warning that violence during campaigns undermines human dignity and the rule of law.

Fr Emmanuel Kiyemba, parish priest of St Joseph Busunjju Catholic Parish in Mityana District, urged voters to be thoughtful: “Listen to the messages of all candidates and sieve them. Vote wisely, and not out of excitement. Vote for substantial and quality leaders.”

Bishop of Ankole Diocese, Rev Fred Sheldon Mwesiga, highlighted societal challenges, noting, “It is sad that Uganda is now ranked number one in alcoholism in Africa, with each Ugandan reported to be consuming 12 litres of alcohol annually. With drug abuse and alcohol, you can’t have peace.”

The Nnabagereka of Buganda joined faithful congregants at Namirembe Cathedral, where Bishop Moses Banjja urged citizens to actively participate in elections and support church-led initiatives for national development.

These Christmas messages come amid heightened political tensions as nominations conclude and campaigning intensifies, with religious leaders consistently advocating for peaceful conduct to prevent repeat electoral conflicts.