By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
As Christians around the country marked the Holy Week, calls for compassion and unity echoed from both the Church and within prison walls. Detained opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has sent out a handwritten Easter message from Luzira Maximum Security Prison, expressing deep appreciation to supporters and encouraging spiritual reflection during the holy season.
The letter, co-signed with fellow detainee and activist Mr. Samuel Lubega Mukaaku (alias Bazega), reflects gratitude for the solidarity they’ve received since their arrest and detention at both Makindye Military Detention Centre and Luzira Prison over the past three months.
“We’re very grateful for all the moral, material and spiritual support that you have given us… May you be immensely blessed,” Besigye wrote.
Addressed to “Friends, Colleagues, Activists, Relatives and Family,” the letter thanks supporters for their role in helping them endure what the former presidential candidate describes as politically motivated imprisonment.
Despite the confinement, Besigye’s tone is resolute and peaceful, noting that prison offers not only punishment but a chance to reflect, learn, and spiritually renew.
“As we celebrate Easter, we are at peace, in spite of the imprisonment, by the grace of the Lord,” he wrote, citing 2 Timothy 4:3-4.
Meanwhile, on Good Friday, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, used his platform during the Ecumenical Prayers at the Way of the Cross in Old Kampala to appeal for the release of prisoners as a Christian gesture of mercy during the Easter season.
“In the Gospel of St. Matthew 27:15, during the Passover festival, it was customary to release a prisoner chosen by the people,” Archbishop Kaziimba said. “Your Excellency, if we could adopt this custom—it is a good one. During the Holy Week, releasing some prisoners is an important act of Christianity.”
Addressing Vice President Jessica Alupo, who attended the service, the Archbishop called for national unity and compassion that transcends political and religious divisions.
“Uganda needs unity,” he said. “We may come from different denominations or political backgrounds, but each one of us matters. We all serve one God, and in this season, let’s come together and do good to one another.”
Vice President Alupo pledged to convey the religious leader’s appeal to President Yoweri Museveni for consideration.
Last month, catholic bishops in Uganda issued a Pastoral Letter in which they voiced concerns to release political detainees, and called for national dialogue around mercy, reconciliation, and justice ahead of the 2025/26 general elections. As Uganda observes Easter, many now wait to see whether these calls will lead to presidential action.
