Buruku (right) talking to participants at the civic education workshop in Kampala

By Josephine Maseruka

RELIGIOUS leaders are free to comment on political issues, an official of the Electoral Commission (EC) has said.

“Do not gag religious leaders from talking about politics. If criticism is aimed at correcting the wrongs, what is wrong with that?” Tom Buruku asked.

He cited the example of South African Bishop Desmond Tutu, who has since the apartheid period commented on political issues and continued to do so even after Nelson Mandela became president.

Buruku made the observation at a three-day civic education workshop at the Arch Apartments in Ntinda yesterday.

The event was attended by over 50 participants from the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU).

Buruku blamed election malpractices on politicians, whom he said bribe the voters and engage in violence.

EC chairman Badru Kiggundu, in a statement read by Buruku, commended the religious council for preaching tolerance and peace as the election period approaches.

He stressed the need for free and fair elections, which he said promote good governance and sustainable development.

Joshua Kitakule, the ICRU secretary general, hailed the Government over the progress in good governance.