📷 Collective Uganda greater than partisanship, says Kaziimba

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Church of Uganda Archbishop Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba has urged Ugandans to embrace national unity, saying it is greater and more sustainable than political partisanship.

Partisanship refers to a strong attachment to a political identity and can manifest positively through loyalty and identification with a preferred group or negatively through hostility and intolerance towards opposing groups.

Kaziimba delivered the message during his Christmas sermon at All Saints’ Cathedral in Kampala on Thursday, December 25.

His remarks come as Uganda approaches the presidential and parliamentary general elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.

“Despite belonging to different political parties, tribes and cultural backgrounds, unity should prevail,” Kaziimba said, stressing that no tribe is superior to another and that all people are valued by God.

The Archbishop appealed for political tolerance, noting that belonging to different political parties should not divide the nation.

“You may belong to a different political party from your neighbour, but political parties are temporary. They simply provide a system for choosing leaders. Let us love one another,” he said.

He further cautioned against election-related violence, urging Ugandans to ensure peaceful campaigns and voting processes.

“Let us prioritise peace, togetherness, and the common good during campaigns and elections. Let us have violence-free campaigns and violence-free elections,” Kaziimba appealed to Ugandans.

He added, “We belong to different religions, but we should not fight. Let us promote peace, love and respect. At the end of the day, we need one another. We are all God’s children.”

Drawing from Isaiah 9, Kaziimba reminded Christians that Christmas symbolises the presence of God, who brings peace, protection and hope to humanity.

“Jesus is the light that pierces through darkness. His presence brings goodness into humanity even amidst suffering, political unrest, sickness, and other trials,” he said.

Unrealistic promises

Kaziimba cautioned Ugandans against being swayed by unrealistic political promises, noting that many politicians promise “heaven and earth” during election campaigns, including impossible pledges such as giving people aeroplanes.

He observed that despite such rhetoric, the country continues to grapple with political and economic challenges, which he likened to “darkness” affecting the lives of many citizens.

Peaceful political transition

The Provost of All Saints’ Cathedral, Rev. Can. Dr Rebecca Nyegenye, said no Ugandan should lose their life during the political transition.

She committed the nation into the hands of the Lord, especially during the political season, as Uganda heads towards the January elections.

Nyegenye prayed for President Yoweri Museveni and all the three arms of government, namely the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, asking God to guide them.

She also prayed that God would take charge of Uganda’s politics so that Ugandans may see one another as brothers and sisters rather than enemies.

Among the Christians who attended prayers at All Saints’ Cathedral were former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and his wife Jacqueline, State Minister for Disability Affairs Hellen Grace Asamo, State House Investors’ Protection Unit head Col. Edith Nakalema, education ministry permanent secretary Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda, and Uganda Revenue Authority Commissioner General John Musinguzi.