No life is worth losing for partisan politics, Church of Uganda tells citizens

KAMPALA - The Church of Uganda has urged Ugandans to reject being used for violence during the 2026 General Election campaigns.

The pastoral letter to all Ugandans, dated October 8, 2025, and signed by Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba as chairperson House of Bishops, calls for respect for those who think differently.

“After elections, we remain neighbours, workmates, brothers, and sisters. Guard your tongue. Words can heal or destroy – choose healing. Pray without ceasing. Pray for candidates, for the Electoral Commission, for our security forces, and for one another,” Kaziimba says.

The letter comes on the heels of the three-month eight-man presidential campaigns in their second week. Eight candidates were nominated as the Electoral Commission (EC) on September 24, 2025, concluded its presidential nominations.

Kyagulanyi is widely seen as incumbent President Yoweri Museveni’s main challenger in the lead-up to the general election. 

Kyagulanyi is widely seen as incumbent President Yoweri Museveni’s main challenger in the lead-up to the general election. (Credit:

Kyagulanyi supporters during his Nakaseke rally.

Other Candidates in the race are Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party (NPP), Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party (CP), Nandala Mafabi of the Forum For Democratic Change (FDC), Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance of National Transformation, Mubarak Munyagwa of Common Man's Party (CMP) and  Frank Bulira of Revolutionary People's Party (RPP)

In the pastoral letter, the prelate quotes Romans 12:18: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

According to the Church, reconciliation is not weakness, ‘it is strength’ and reflects the power of Jesus Christ’s love that conquers hatred and restores broken relationships.

“Elections are not the end; there is life after elections. Whether one’s candidate wins or loses, we remain one family, bound by a shared hope for Uganda.”

Kaziimba also says that Ugandans should remain anchored in Christ for unity, stability and peace, which according to him, is in line with the Church of Uganda’s 2026 theme: Anchored in Christ for Unity, Stability and Peace.

We call upon all Ugandans to seek the peace of God that unites us as one nation. Christ Himself is our peace, who breaks down walls of hostility and reconciles us to God and one another. Let us, therefore, encourage unity, stability, peace, and reconciliation before, during, and after the elections.

Archbishop Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu

Kaziimba defends writing the letter, saying they are shepherds and spiritual leaders: We write with hearts full of love and deep concern for our nation during this election season. We are mindful that elections often stir emotions, awaken old wounds, and sometimes tempt us to treat one another as enemies rather than as fellow Ugandans and children of God. Yet we appeal to you:

“Let us remember that even though our political opinions may differ, our common identity as God's people must remain stronger than any division. We are all created in His image!”

The letter also tackles other issues, including the ongoing arts teachers strike over salary disparities.

President Yoweri Museveni during one of his campaign trails.

Below are sections of the letter:

We appeal to those entrusted with leadership:

(a) To the Government:

Protect the citizens, not silence them. To our security agencies in particular, we urge you to remain neutral, not to take sides, and to respect the rights of all citizens. Keep Law and Order before, during and after the election period with professionalism, impartiality, and respect for human dignity. Security organs must be guardians of peace, not sources of fear.

(b) To the Electoral Commission:

We call upon you to exercise impartiality, integrity, and transparency. Announce the right results and ensure that the will of the people is respected. This will strengthen public confidence and preserve national harmony.

(c) To political candidates:

Campaign with honesty, dignity, and fairness. Prevail upon your supporters not to provoke authorities or engage in any form of violence. Do not set Ugandans against one another for your objectives. We strongly condemn all election malpractices such as voter bribery, intimidation, and the reckless use of money.

When the results are announced, accept them with grace and humility for the sake of peace and national unity.

(d) To community leaders:

Be voices of reconciliation, not division.

Power belongs to God, and leaders are but stewards. Let them remember that the throne of leadership is not for self-enrichment but for service to the common good.

As Julius Nyerere, the father of the Tanzanian nation, wisely said: “Without unity, there is no future for Africa.” Uganda must learn this truth: elections should not divide us but strengthen our unity and shared destiny.

As the conscience of society (Church of Uganda Provincial Canon 1.17), the Church must remain a voice for the voiceless; speaking truth with love and reminding every leader that authority is a sacred trust for peace and justice.