IRCU appeals to politicians against violence during elections

RELIGION|POLITICS|2021 GENERAL ELECTIONS

The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has appealed to political players and the public to avoid repeating actions of violence exhibited in the various political party primaries in the forthcoming general elections.

The IRCU was concerned with what they termed as the ‘general feeling' that the violence that was experienced in the recent party primaries might as well be reflected in the 2021 general elections.

"Our country has just emerged from a number of unpleasant grassroots party primary elections. As religious leaders, we are concerned about the way the elections were conducted," Sheikh Shabban Ramadan Mubajje, the Mufti of Uganda and chairperson of the IRCU Council of Presidents, said.

He was addressing journalists, Thursday, at the organisation's offices at Bulange in Rubaga Division, Kampala. The press conference was attended by IRCU officials, Msgr Charles Kasibante, Canon Grace Kayiso and Joshua Kitakule.

Mubajje said what transpired during the various political party primaries, including the killing of supporters, inflicting injuries, arrests and physical fights, was a sign that political parties were not well-prepared for their respective elections.

He said religious leaders recognise the role of the Electoral Commission in conducting free, fair and credible elections, but appealed to the body to remain impartial, especially under the context of COVID-19 pandemic.

Mubajje said it was unfair for the Electoral Commision to look on as security personnel continue to harass Opposition politicians under pretext of non-compliance with the COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) yet many NRM leaders and government officials continue to organise big gatherings without observing the same.

The mufti urged Ugandans to pray for the nation as it goes through the election exercise peacefully, adding that everyone had a role in protecting the fundamental human rights and freedoms during the electoral period.

"As a council, we are optimistic that Ugandans can disentangle themselves from divisive politics and election mismanagement," he stated.

The IRCU pledged to organise national prayers for a peaceful electoral process.

"As religious leaders, we are again committing ourselves to martial our collective wisdom, energy, diversity and creativity to pursue a new vision for our country," Mubajje stated.

He warned religious leaders against showing sides, which he said would likely divide their followers and appear like they were taking sides.

"It is wrong for a religious leader to attack a politician and also not right to give a platform to politicians to campaign in places of worship."

On whether some of them were supporting the ruling party, Mubajje said sometimes ‘it was necessary to give credit where it is due although we must remain neutral'.