Mbarara leaders urged to campaign against sectarianism

MBARARA - Leaders in Mbarara district have been urged to promote prosperity and development among Ugandans and eschew politics of identity.  

The call was made by President Yoweri Museveni's brother Sedrack Nzaire Kaguta, who notes that Ugandans were divided along sectarian tendencies by colonialists, a mess he says should be corrected now with the efforts of all stakeholders.

“My driver is a Muganda, my escort is from Northern Uganda, the other workers are also from different regions, not Ankole, where is Museveni, Saleh or Toyota in these? The driver can decide to leave me in a corner, the one cooking can decide to poison me but they have not done so, and they love me so much. So, leaders, I challenge you to preach the gospel of unity," he says.

Nzaire has also urged residents of Mbarara district and other areas not to support any leaders spreading divisive messages along politics and sectarian lines. Nzaire made the comments on June 25, 2025, while officiating at the opening of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party offices for Mbarara district.

The office was built by Prosper Tuheise, who on the same day took over party chairpersonship.

Nzaire warned that if identity politics is not fought on all fronts, social-economic transformation will never be achieved in the communities.

Nzaire’s comments followed reports by Prosper Tuheise, who noted with concern that Mbarara district has been infiltrated by leaders promoting sectarian politics, noting that people are divided along tribes and religion.

Tuheise warned those contesting in NRM party primaries that they risk being disqualified if found dividing voters. “Distance yourselves from dividing voters along sectarian lines.”

He vowed to cause the arrest of all those involved in promoting division along tribal, religious or ethnic lines. According to the Penal Code Act, the penalty for such an offence can cause five year's imprisonment upon conviction. 

Nzaire was endorsed as unopposed for the NRM vice-chairperson for the western region post.

Nzaire hailed Tuheise for the support given to NRM by constructing party offices and urged all other leaders to emulate him. Mbarara district NRM registrar Rogers Mugisha warned candidates against causing chaos and disrupting party election processes in the area.

He reported that they already have reports that some candidates are recruiting hooligans. He called on the security to keep a keen eye on such groups and support for a peaceful party election.