Religious leaders ought to promote dialogue, respect
May 06, 2012
The media has been running debate on whether religious leaders should comment on political matters. The debate has been linked to the ongoing agitation for restoration of term limits in our constitution.
By Joshua Kitakule
The campaign was launched by Rt. Rev. Dr. Zac Niringiye, Asst. Bishop of Kampala Diocese and calls for a clear succession plan by His Grace Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese and Pastor Dr. Joseph Serwadda, the Presiding Apostle of Born Again Faith in Uganda.
Inter Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) would like to clarify that while politics and religion have a common goal, which is the welfare of the people, it is important to make a clear distinction between politics per se and partisan politics.
Thus, our view is that the focus of this debate should be whether religious leaders have a role to play in any of the two dimensions of politics. In our understanding, politics is the art and science of organising and managing society and resources for the common good. In this sense, it cannot be left to an exclusive group of people (political party) and/or individuals.
This is further emphasised by Article I of the Constitution that gives power to the people and Article 38 that grants all citizens the right and freedom to participate in governance of the country.
Partisan politics on the other hand promotes group and/or individual interests even when in their objectives they seek to promote the common good.
Further, partisan politics is characterised by various political parties and groups seeking to capture and retain political power, thus, making this dimension of politics prone to conflicts and division.
The position of IRCU is that religious leaders have a different role to play in this aspect of politics namely, guide political parties and contenders towards the common good.
Like the prophets, they derive the mandate to defend the common good from their divine mission and vocation.
In this regard, they have a prophetic role in the social, political and economic spheres.
They are expected to correct the wrongs in society including the ills in politics and provide guidance to both leaders and the led. In playing this role, they are motivated by love, justice, mercy and peace.
Therefore, religious leaders should not promote any particular political party ideology or interests for the simple reason that their participation can disenfranchise segments of the people and cause disharmony which is against God’s will.
The debate on term limits and succession, however, is a constitutional matter that transcends any political party interest, and is, therefore, healthy. It is a concern for all Ugandans because it provides the opportunity for us to strengthen further mechanisms for peaceful political or leadership transition.
Currently, the only legitimate means available to Ugandans is regular elections. Unfortunately, throughout our history, elections have proved inadequate in addressing this concern.
Instead, they have entrenched particular political groups and individuals in power, thus creating untold political uncertainty and in some cases, armed insurrection.
For this reason, religious leaders must take interest in the ongoing debate and ensure it is done in the spirit of dialogue, mutual respect and with full knowledge of our political history.
Our vision for this country should be a divinely peaceful, united, and prosperous Uganda where all people enjoy full health and freedoms for the common good.