Sheema leaders rally against sectarian politics after divisive polls

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Political and religious leaders in Sheema district have launched a united campaign to bridge sectarian divisions following the recently concluded 2026 General Election, urging residents to prioritise development over religious affiliation.

The call was made during the district’s first-ever interfaith prayer breakfast on February 19, 2026, at Senevin Gardens in Kabwohe town.

The event, organised by Sheema district religious leaders, sought to promote reconciliation after a tense electoral period reportedly marked by sectarian campaigning.

Unite for development

Sheema South Member of Parliament-elect Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu warned that political divisions pose a serious threat to the district’s progress.

“A house divided against itself cannot stand. If the district gets divided because of politics, it won’t develop,” Kamuntu said.

“Conflicts in politics will never end because if there are six candidates, five will fail. Whoever doesn’t want to become a failure should never join politics because politics and conflict are inherent.”

He urged both winners and losers to accept the election outcome and focus on service delivery.

“Let people thank you for what you have done for them instead of looking at religious affiliations and origins,” he added.

Kamuntu noted that unity would enable the district to secure critical infrastructure projects, including the promised tarmac roads from Kabwohe to Rukungiri and Kabwohe to Bwizibwera, as well as the acquisition of the Ankole Western University charter, among other development priorities.

“If we unite, more can be done by improving social and economic infrastructure,” he said.

Forgiveness and leadership

Senior presidential advisor and former security minister Chris Rwakasisi urged leaders to abandon grudges and embrace forgiveness.

“It is bad to never forgive. Let us forgive each other so that we can move forward in order,” Rwakasisi said.

He recounted the bitterness he once harboured towards President Yoweri Museveni while in prison.

“I was a prisoner on cement, and he was being praised with national anthems and salutes. I hated him so much that I even had spare hatred for him, like a spare tyre,” he said. 

“But when I started praying for him and his family, my heart changed.”

Rwakasisi cautioned current leaders against arrogance and hypocrisy, noting that managing success is one of the greatest tests in public service.

Speak the truth

Joseph Mukasa, who lost the Sheema Municipality parliamentary seat, criticised what he described as political duplicity during the campaigns.

“There are political leaders who are with you during the day and turn against you at night. I want leaders who speak the truth,” Mukasa said.

He urged political actors to avoid selfish interests and work for peace and development.

“All I want is for the people of Sheema to have peace and development instead of suffering,” he said.

Religious leaders weigh in

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, the Rev. Fr. Genensio Nuwagira, the priest of Mushanga Catholic Parish in Sheema municipality, said the interfaith initiative was aimed at healing divisions caused by the elections.

“We have gathered so that when we unite people in the Word of God, they become one. The elections caused many people to collide. We planned this event so that people may unite, forgive one another and live as one family,” he said.

Nuwagira noted that political disagreements often spill over into churches and mosques.

“If leaders are united, those they lead will also be united,” he said.

Other organisers included the district Kadhi, Sheikh Suleiman Kafeero, and Kabwohe Archdeaconry Archdeacon Rev. Canon Benon Muhwezi, among other religious leaders.

Leaders pledge unity

Sheema municipality mayor-elect Lukia Nakalisa pledged to serve without discrimination.

“We should work as a team and serve our people wholeheartedly, regardless of religion. Since the elections are over, we must focus on development,” she said.

Edgar Mukundane, who lost the NRM primaries for the Sheema LC5 seat, called for an end to sectarian politics.

“Whether you have a religion or not, we all need development. If we don’t have hospitals, we all suffer. Our religion should be love,” Mukundane said.

He also condemned the spread of misinformation during campaigns.

“Politics of spreading false information is not productive,” he added.

Katusiime–Buhanda misunderstanding

The prayer breakfast also comes amid reported misunderstandings between Sheema District Woman MP-elect Adrine Katusiime Mwebesa and LC5 chairperson Jemimah Buhanda.

Katusiime has publicly accused Buhanda of backing her rival, Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukururu, during the recently concluded general elections.

Speaking at the function, Katusiime said she was ready to work with leaders willing to cooperate for the good of the district.

“I am ready to work with those who are ready to work with me for the development of Sheema. What matters now is service delivery to our people,” Katusiime said.

In response, Buhanda told the gathering that she was prepared to work with all elected leaders for the district’s development.

“Elections are over. Let us now focus on serving those who elected us and developing our district,” Buhanda said.