Clerics call for tolerance and respect for human rights

The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) and the Elders Forum of Uganda have expressed concern over the post-election violence going on around the country.

They committed themselves to hold constructive dialogue around the existing issues and engage relevant authorities to ensure that all Ugandans enjoy their freedoms of expressions and movement.

In their joint statement, read by the Archbishop, John Baptism Odama, on behalf of the IRCU at Lake Victoria Serena Hotel, they stressed that since elections, they have noted the unease amongst some sections of the population.

"There is fear and uncertainty within some sections of the population to express their grievances," Odama noted.

He said elections have left some sections of the population dissatisfied, adding that such environment is not conducive to consolidate peace and justice.

Odama stressed that they are deeply troubled by the trends because they weaken the country's social fabric of harmony and cohesion, and responsive leadership.

Archbishop Odama chats with Justice James Ogoola. Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda.

They stressed that pillars that guarantee sustainable peace and justice in a nation are built on fairness, openness, mutual respect, recognition of each other's contribution and commitment towards serving the common good.

"It should be noted that national building is a collective effort. We should guard against surrendering national solidarity for partisan interests, remembering that Uganda is bigger than all of us," Odama said.

 "The current events provide us an opportunity as citizens of Uganda to reflect deeply on our missed opportunities and to lay a firm foundation for a meaningful democracy for our beloved nation" he added.

Odama noted that they have a shared responsibility to provide guidance and leadership to address the current political impasse, and work with fellow citizens to lay a solid foundation for the country.

Justice James Ogoola, who represented the elders, said the dialogue is aimed at solving the existing political tension in the country.

Ogoola said they are working towards holding a national consultative conference to address obstacles that are hindering the nation from enjoying the full fruits of independence and identifying steps towards; "achieving the Uganda we want".

"Everything is a process because it is a big agenda. We cannot tell you the steps now," he said.

On the Kasese unrests, Ogoola said they are still absorbing the full dimension of issues to get the real facts behind the events.