Religious leaders in Greater Mukono have called for calm, unity, and tolerance among competing political actors and their supporters as the country go through the election period.
Meeting under the Greater Mukono Inter-Faith Forum (GMIF), clerics from the Church of Uganda, Catholic, Islamic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, and Orthodox faiths convened special prayers for peace and integrity during the ongoing electoral process.
The prayers, held at Collin Hotel in Mukono Municipality, drew participants from all corners of the subregion — Mukono, Buikwe, Kayunga, and Buvuma — including politicians, elders, and senior citizens.
The forum, chaired by Senior Pastor Samuel Lwandasa of Mt. Lebanon Church, aims to use faith to guide communities toward peaceful coexistence and responsible leadership during elections.
“Our main purpose is to pray, share ideas of peace, love, unity, and other crucial matters for the welfare of our region as we go through the election period,” Pastor Lwandasa said. “Once you win or lose, continue adding up to development. Let’s learn to concede defeat and live in harmony. Perhaps next time, you never know how God has planned for you.”
He quoted Proverbs 18:18; “The vote causes contention to cease, and parts between the mighty” — urging candidates to avoid malice, empty promises, and inciting divisions.
“Blessed is the country with God, for it shall not experience unrest. In Mukono, we strongly condemn strikes because they destroy infrastructure and breed hatred,” he added.
Faith and Politics: A Fragile Balance
The interfaith gathering comes at a time when Greater Mukono, and Uganda at large, are still wrestle with the ghosts of electoral violence that have characterized previous polls. Periods of tension, mistrust, and post-election reprisals have often overshadowed development promises.
In their joint message, religious leaders emphasized that leadership comes from God, urging candidates and their followers to accept electoral outcomes peacefully.
Pastor Christopher Sserunjogi of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church said that political rivalry should not blind citizens to the divine role in leadership.
“God selects leaders; there’s no need to crash with one another. Let’s protect Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, which God has given us.”
Rev. Father Samuel Luwaga of the Orthodox Church drew parallels between modern politics and biblical leadership, reminding believers that even Jesus handpicked his twelve disciples.
“Leadership comes from above. Many people have failed to accept that politics is not a do-or-die affair. Win or lose, peace must prevail for the good of our families and the country.”
The Greater Mukono Khadhi, Sheikh Zubail Abas Ssenkuba, echoed the same call, saying leadership is divine and temporal.
“Leadership has not started today. Allah, the ruler of rulers, entrusts it to whom he wills and withdraws it when he chooses. If he withdraws it, please accept the change,” he said.
“Some people think change has failed to come, but no one lives forever. Sometimes nature itself dictates change. If you lose, focus on other things—leadership is not a do-or-die business.”
A Call for Responsible Leadership
Rev. Godfrey Ssengendo, the Mukono Diocesan Provost representing Bishop Enos Kitto Kagodo, reminded political leaders that power is transient.
“Today you have power, but another time will come when you are powerless. Control your supporters to avoid chaos and pray for the Electoral Commission to do its work fairly. Fairness reduces court cases and post-election violence.”
The message resonated with Muganzi Mark Mayanja, the District Election Administrator and Returning Officer for Mukono, who praised the forum for reinforcing civic values.
“As we face this critical election period, our actions have consequences. The Electoral Commission is committed to a credible, free, and fair process, but we cannot do this alone,” he said.
“We need your prayers and your influence to foster a culture of respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.”
Leaders Urged to Walk the Talk
Mukono Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Fatumah Ndisaba Nabitaka lauded the initiative and challenged faith leaders to go beyond prayers by guiding citizens toward electing credible and people-centered leaders.
“We need leaders proven by their actions — those who understand community issues and can provide solutions, not lament. Leadership is service, not self-enrichment,” she emphasized.
She also cautioned candidates against disrupting public order, especially along the busy Kampala–Jinja Highway, which serves traders and patients rushing for emergency care.
A Message of Love and Neutrality
Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), commended the forum for its neutrality and inclusive approach.
“The Bible guides us to love our neighbors — it doesn’t specify tribes or political parties,” Rwabwogo said. “Let us vote for leaders of integrity and dignity, who speak truth to people rather than telling them what they want to hear.”
Greater Mukono’s interfaith call comes at a crucial moment — a region long marred by political rivalry and post-election bitterness is seeking a new script rooted in faith and shared values.
By putting prayer, tolerance, and community service at the center of politics, faith leaders hope to usher in a more peaceful and development-oriented electoral culture.
Several political aspirants attended the prayers, including Allan Mawanda (Democratic Front), George Fred Kagimu (Democratic Party), Sarah Nakintu (People’s Front for Freedom), and Stephen Ssemusu (Independent, Mukono North) — reflecting the spirit of inclusivity the clerics sought to promote.
ENDS.
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