Inter-Religious Council in nationwide campaign for peaceful 2026 elections

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The chairperson of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has appealed to the public to refrain from using language or engaging in actions that could jeopardise peace in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.

Kaziimba made the appeal on Monday, June 23, while officiating at the launch of the National Mobilisation for a Peaceful, Credible 2026 Election, Stability and Social Cohesion, held at the Inter-Religious Council offices in Mengo, Kampala.

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Chairperson Inter Religious Council addressing participants during the launch of the National Mobilization for a peaceful, free, fair and credible 2026 election at the Inter Religious Council offices on June 23, 2025. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

“Choose words that don’t hurt others, debate issues, not personalities, and mind the language and actions you undertake as these could build or break the country,” Kaziimba said.

He also expressed concern over what he termed early signs of electoral violence emerging in various parts of the country and called on security agencies to ensure public safety.

According to Bishop Joshua Lwere, the national overseer and representative of the Association of Pentecostals and Evangelicals, the campaign aims to promote national unity, social accountability and electoral preparedness through multi-sectoral engagement.

He added that the initiative followed consultations with several institutions, including the Electoral Commission (EC), Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

“Our mobilising efforts are not a reaction to the election but a deliberate preventive engagement with the structural and spiritual wounds of our time. It seeks to foster civic literacy, restore moral purpose and rebuild trust,” Lwere explained.

Bishop Joshua Lwere, the national overseer and representative of the Association of Pentecostals and Evangelicals addressing participants during the launch. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

He said the campaign is anchored on four pillars: commitment to peaceful and credible elections; building social cohesion; promoting household incomes and economic resilience; and strengthening ethics and leadership integrity.

To ensure widespread impact, the council has scheduled three-day regional engagements in 17 sub-regions, including Acholi, Ankole, Buganda, Bukedi, Bunyoro, Busoga, Elgon, Karamoja, Kigezi, Lango, Rwenzori, Sebei, Teso, Toro, West Nile, Madi and Bugisu.

The regional dialogues will cover issues such as preventing electoral violence, promoting ethical political conduct and civic responsibility. Participants will include youth and women’s groups, religious institutions, political parties, businesses, schools, civil society and security agencies.

Commenting on the campaign, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, welcomed the initiative, saying it complements the Commission’s efforts to deliver peaceful elections. However, he stressed that it is the responsibility of Ugandans to ensure peace after the polls.

Members of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda pose for a photo with the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission and other officials after the launch. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

“Indeed, we have observed some electoral violence, but nobody will save us—it is the Ugandans themselves who must save the country. We shall work with everybody to ensure that by 2026, the country either remains peaceful,” Byabakama said.

He also welcomed the inclusion of household incomes as a campaign topic, noting that violence is often incited by those who feel they have nothing to lose. He said the Commission will work closely with security personnel to ensure the safety of people and property throughout the election period.