Relevance of interfaith week to Ugandans

By Issa Kirarira

The World ‘Interfaith Harmony Week is starting today,  February 1 till February 7. The celebrations are meant to spread the message of harmony and tolerance among the followers of different faiths.

This day was launched to promote harmony among people of different faiths at a time when inter religious conflict is claiming lives and livelihoods globally.

This day is very relevant to Uganda because research shows nearly nine out of 10 Ugandans believe religion plays a key role in their lives.

This week is also timely for Uganda since general elections fall in this month. It is, therefore, important that messages of harmony and tolerance among political aspirants should be promoted. Everybody should have peace radiating from lips, faces and walk and talk peace for harmonious coexistence.

Celebrations in Uganda are being spearheaded by the Nile Dialogue Platform with the launch today in Muyenga, Zzimwe Road Plot 4345. The event will include religious and opinion leaders, academicians and journalists.

World Interfaith Harmony Week is a global event observed annually since February 2011 during the first week of February. It was launched to promote harmony among people of different faiths at a time when interreligious conflict is claiming lives and livelihoods all over the world.

It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in the resolution A/RES/65/5. This resolution points out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and establishes World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith.

The global theme for this year (2016) is: "Spreading harmony and tolerance among followers of the three monotheistic faiths and all the world's religions."

World Interfaith Harmony Week celebrates the principles of tolerance and respect for the other that are deeply rooted in the world's major religions. The observance is also calls for solidarity in the face of those who spread misunderstanding and mistrust among humanity.

The writer is the Secretary General of Nile Dialogue Platform (NDP)