Ssemogerere calls for mutual respect as Catholic Church marks peace month
“The elections we have just gone through did not leave us the same. Many people complained about alleged irregularities and incidents of violence. Some of our people even died. Several other people were put in jail and have not yet been taken to court. The respective irregularities ignited fear and anxiety. In such a situation, it is only to God that we should go. So, let us pray for peace.
“We need peace that does not come from wars, but from the deep recognition of our shared humanity. We are all brothers and sisters, who must love and respect each other as children of God,” Ssemogerere said. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)
KAMPALA - Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere has called on Ugandans to pursue justice and mutual respect as Kampala Archdiocese marks its month-long Peace Month amid concerns over violence, fear and anxiety following the recent elections.
The archdiocese began its month of promoting justice and peace on September 1, 2026, with ceremonies and environmental conservation activities at Gayaza Parish in the Wakiso Vicariate.
The programme will run throughout September, bringing together parishes, community organisations and faith-based groups for prayer, reflection and activities aimed at promoting reconciliation and non-violence.
The archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere (wearing a black cassock) shares a photo-moment with members of the Justice and Peace Department of the archdiocese during the launching of the Justice and Peace month at the archdiocesan headquarters at Lubaga Cathedral on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
“All of us have the responsibility to promote peace. Firstly though, we have to promote justice. Without justice, peace remains a mere dream,” the archbishop said.
“The elections we have just gone through did not leave us the same. Many people complained about alleged irregularities and incidents of violence. Some of our people even died. Several other people were put in jail and have not yet been taken to court. The respective irregularities ignited fear and anxiety. In such a situation, it is only to God that we should go. So, let us pray for peace.
“We need peace that does not come from wars, but from the deep recognition of our shared humanity. We are all brothers and sisters, who must love and respect each other as children of God,” Ssemogerere said.
Speaking during the launch on August 25, 2026, Ssemogerere said Peace Month was organised in collaboration with parishes, community organisations and faith-based groups as a vital spiritual and social initiative aimed at promoting harmony, reconciliation and non-violence within the community.
“Let us come together to embrace peace and foster unity during this special month,” he said.
The Peace Month has already entered its prayer phase, with a novena running from September 1 to 9 in all parishes.
Ssemogerere said all parishes will participate in a peace novena from September 1 to 9. During these nine days, masses will be celebrated as peace liturgical masses, with the prayer of St Francis of Assisi recited after each mass.
"This prayer embodies the spirit of peace and reconciliation that we seek to cultivate in our hearts and communities,” Ssemogerere said.
The programme will continue with the Ben Kiwanuka Memorial Mass and lecture at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel on September 8, in honour of the legacy of Uganda’s first Prime Minister.
The archbishop said Kiwanuka was a great champion of justice and peace, who inspired many to follow his example of service and integrity.
On September 11 and 12, the archdiocese will conduct activities addressing human trafficking at Nsambya Parish and Sharing Youth Centre Nsambya, respectively.
The month will culminate in a closing ceremony at Kyengera Parish on September 30, which will coincide with the observance of the World Day for Migrants and Refugees.
Ssemogerere urged the faithful and the wider community to participate in the activities.
The Director of the Kampala Archdiocese Department of Justice and Peace, Fr. Emmanuel Sita delivers his remarks during the launching of the Justice and Peace month at the archdiocesan headquarters at Lubaga Cathedral on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
“I call upon all faithful, partners, and community members to actively participate in these activities. Together let us work towards building a society rooted in peace, justice, and reconciliation. May this peace month be a catalyst for lasting positive change in the Archdiocese of Kampala and beyond,” Ssemogerere said.
Fr Emmanuel Sita, the director of the Kampala Archdiocese Department of Justice and Peace, said the activities were being held under the theme, “Peace be with you all: towards unarmed and disarming peace.”
“The theme is a call for all members of the archdiocese and all Ugandans to embrace peace as a core value rooted in faith, justice and love. The goal is to foster a culture of peace that transcends conflict and promotes healing, understanding, and unity in our society.”
“Through a series of meaningful activities, we seek to inspire individuals and communities to become agents of peace in their homes, neighbourhoods, workplaces, and beyond.”
“The theme basically calls for and encourages non-violent conflict resolution through the promotion of peaceful attitudes and behaviours, with the major objective of protecting life and human dignity,” Sita said.