The Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), Odrek Rwabwogo, has urged Ugandan leaders to prioritise peace and stability as the country heads toward the next general elections.
Rwabwogo made the call during a prayer meeting held at Colline Hotel in Mukono, organised by the Greater Mukono Interfaith Forum under the theme “Praying for Peaceful Elections in Uganda.” The gathering brought together religious, political, and security leaders to seek divine guidance and unity ahead of the campaign season.
“We must remember that elections come and go, but the country remains,” Rwabwogo said. “Our duty as leaders is to preserve peace and ensure that Uganda continues to move forward, no matter our political differences.”
The Resident District Commissioner in Mukono, Hajjat Fatumah Nabitaka Ndisaba, voiced concern that some political aspirants are outsiders with little attachment to the community— and, therefore, may not prioritise local stability.
She cautioned against any return to violent campaigns, saying the era of tear gas and running battles with police is over.
“It is long past the time when, as RDC of Mukono, we would not authorise the use of tear gas,” Ndisaba said. “Such actions harm innocent citizens, the vendors, the mothers, and the youth who attend rallies to earn a living. Even if we disagree, we must never resort to violence again.”
Ndisaba emphasised that security forces will act firmly against anyone attempting to disrupt peace, adding that Mukono deserves leaders who genuinely care about its people and future.
Delivering a message from Mukono District Police Commander Bernard Mugerwa, the OC of Mukono Taxi Park Police Post, Gerald Mwanga, warned candidates against inciting supporters or provoking their opponents. He reminded politicians that such actions could “easily plunge the country into unnecessary chaos.”
The Chairperson of the Interfaith Forum, Bishop Dr Samuel Lwandasa, said the gathering was a response to growing tension and mistrust that often characterise election seasons.
“Uganda belongs to all of us,” he said. “We must safeguard what we have achieved and maintain peace in Mukono. There is no reason to fight each other — anyone who disrupts peace will be handed over to the authorities.”
He added that only through prayer and mutual respect can Uganda navigate its political challenges successfully.
Similarly, Sheikh Zubair Abbas Ssenkuba, the District Khadi of Mukono, together with Orthodox leader Samuel Luwaga and Adventist leader Christopher Serunjongi, urged candidates to accept election results gracefully and avoid fueling post-election conflicts. They also encouraged voters to remain respectful toward all contenders, regardless of party affiliation.
Several candidates contesting in Mukono, like Dr Sarah Nabatanzi, Daisy Ssonko and Buikwe district Hon Bill Tomusange, praised the interfaith initiative, describing it as a timely reminder of unity amid growing political competition. They pledged to conduct peaceful campaigns and to place the country’s interests above personal ambition.
As the country prepares for the elections, the leaders at the Mukono prayer meeting sent a strong message: peace is not just a political choice, but a national duty.
