Ruwenzori bishop Kisembo pleads for peace during elections, urges embracing tolerance

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Ruwenzori Anglican Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo Amooti has passionately appealed to all Ugandans to maintain peace and stability in the country during and after the forthcoming elections.

Kisembo has decried the manifestation of violence and bickering during the ongoing political campaigns and urged the respective political contenders to embrace the virtues of tolerance, mutual respect and human solidarity.

“We want peaceful elections. Brutalising and beating up opponents is undesirable. Some sections of young people are tempted to beat the Police. It is wrong and dangerous. The playing field should also be properly levelled so that nobody has an excuse. Losers should accept defeat because in any election, there are losers and winners. Whoever is not satisfied with the outcomes should go to the courts of law," he says.

He adds, "In any case, we want you to vote for God-fearing people, contented people who are not greedy. Again, I say, please observe peace. Respect everybody. Don’t mind what they are. Catholics, Anglicans, Born-again, Muslims, Bisaka followers; love them all,” Bishop Kisembo says.

He made the call while delivering his homily and Christmas message during the Ruwenzori Diocese Kampala Fellowship Sunday Service at All Saints Cathedral Kampala on December 14, 2025.

He asked Christians to have a proper understanding and celebration of Christmas. He said the birth of Jesus brought redemption and peace, which is why Christians should strive for peace and piety. He asked them not to put their focus on food and drinks, but to welcome Jesus into their hearts as they also prepare themselves for His second coming.

Fight permissiveness

He cautioned parents against the strong waves of the permissive society and urged them to give their children proper moral guidance and protection, particularly during the ongoing long holiday.

He encouraged families to have daily communal prayers, and also cherish the traditional Christian hymns, which he said speak to the soul of the believer. He warned young people about the negative influence of the internet, social media and pornography. He encouraged them to observe sexual purity.

“Don’t be fooled by these slogans of the free world. Regulations have to be followed. Parents have the primary duty of training their children to behave well. Young people, observe sexual purity, or else you will suffer the consequences of sexual sin,” Kisembo said.

Diocese stable

Bishop Kisembo assured the Christians of Ruwenzori Diocese who are resident in Metropolitan Kampala that the diocese is stable and progressing well. He asked them to identify potential development partners who can work with the diocese to implement its proposed shillings 25 billion real estate development project.

“We have the land, but no money. If you know any development partner that can work with us, please inform us,” he said.

Christmas Carols

During the same service, Ruwenzori Diocese Kampala Fellowship Choir presented its Christmas Carols concert under the theme:  Hallelujah; God with us.