By The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has issued a strong pastoral call urging government agencies, political actors, and citizens to uphold peace, justice, and integrity as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.
In a statement released on Monday, religious leaders said they are increasingly concerned about rising hostilities in the political environment, marked by arbitrary arrests, disruption of campaign activities, intimidation of journalists, and challenges in the national voter registration process.
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The council said recent engagements with communities across the country have revealed growing fear, frustration, and uncertainty, even as many civil servants and security officers continue to conduct their duties with integrity.
IRCU leaders warned that the pattern of arrests particularly of opposition politicians, activists, and supporters poses a serious threat to public trust. They cited cases of prolonged detention without trial, including incidents following the November 2024 arrest of Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide under military jurisdiction.
They also expressed concern over the dispersal of political gatherings, restrictions on campaign movements, and the use of excessive force, which they said denies citizens the opportunity to hear from all candidates. According to the council, such actions create a perception that elections are predetermined and discourage meaningful participation.
The religious leaders further raised alarm over the militarisation of the electoral environment, noting that the presence of heavily armed personnel at political functions has left many Ugandans uneasy. They also condemned reports of political parties mobilising parallel militias under the guise of vote protection, saying these formations threaten national stability.
IRCU said failures within the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and delays by the Electoral Commission have placed thousands of would-be voters at risk of exclusion. Many young people, they noted, continue to face long queues, faulty equipment, and allegations of bribery when trying to secure national IDs.
The council also criticised the growing hostility toward the media, warning that restricting journalists undermines transparency and deprives voters of essential information. They urged authorities to ensure journalists operate freely and safely during the electoral period.
To candidates, IRCU appealed for peaceful campaigns, reminding them that “there can only be one winner.” They called on political actors to prioritise national unity and avoid the provocative language and hostility that has characterised recent weeks.
In its concluding message, the council urged government agencies to act with restraint and fairness, the Electoral Commission to intensify efforts to ensure no eligible voter is excluded, and citizens to remain peaceful and engaged.
“The eyes of our children are watching,” the statement read. “Let us honour our nation by choosing the path of peace, restraint, and unity.”
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