By Charles Katabalwa,
KAMPALA
The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) have launched the National Mobilization for Peaceful, Free, Fair and Credible 2026 Elections, Stability, and Social Cohesion roadmap, aiming to preach peace in all 17 regions of Uganda.
“We must avoid hate speech, inflammatory language, and actions that can incite violence,” Archbishop Mugalu
During the launch at IRCU offices in Mengo, His Grace Samuel Kazimba Mugula, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda who double as the chairman IRCU , emphasized the significance of campaign on inclusive stakeholder engagement and strategic planning for peaceful elections in the country.
“The IRCU’s initiative is a timely reminder that we must work together to build a Uganda that is just, equitable, and peaceful,” Archbishop Mugula said. “As religious leaders, we have a sacred responsibility to promote values of love, compassion, and forgiveness.” Kazimba says
The Archbishop challenged the media, security agencies, and the general public to desist from actions that could lead to chaos and instability in the country. He urged them to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and respect for human rights.
“We must avoid hate speech, inflammatory language, and actions that can incite violence,” Archbishop Mugalu cautioned. “Instead, let us promote a narrative of peace, love, and unity.”
He also emphasized the need for free, fair, and credible elections in 2026. He called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the electoral process is transparent, accountable, and inclusive.
“As we look forward to the 2026 elections, let us commit ourselves to a peaceful, free, fair, and credible process,” Archbishop Mugula said. “Let us work together to build a Uganda that is just, equitable, and peaceful for all.”
The IRCU’s National Mobilization for Peaceful, Credible 2026 Elections, Stability, and Social Cohesion is a nationwide initiative that aims to promote peace, stability, and social cohesion in Uganda. The initiative brings together religious leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to promote a culture of peace and tolerance in the country during and after 2026 general elections.
Among the activities to be done include Regional three day Engagement model (17 regions) where IRCU officials will be meeting, youth, women, stakeholders in every region, Holding National prayers at Kololo independent ground among others.
Speaking at the launching event, Justice Simon Byabakama, the Chairman of the Uganda Independent Electoral Commission (EC), urged all stakeholders involved in the electoral process to work within the confines of the law to prevent chaos during and after the 2026 general elections.
Byabakama singled out political parties, candidates, and their supporters, urging them to familiarize themselves with the electoral laws and regulations and also cautioned them against engaging in acts that may disrupt the electoral process, such as violence, intimidation, and bribery.
The Chief elections commissioner commended IRCU for the initiative, which he said aims to promoting peace, but appealed to the media to report accurately and impartially on the electoral process by desisting from spreading fake news and inflammatory statements that may incite violence.
