By KT Reporter
The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda has urged the Electoral Commission to assert control over the electoral process and provide clear public guidance grounded in the law.
Speaking to journalists while delivering the council’s end-of-year message, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Steven Samuel Kazimba Mugalu—who also serves as chairperson of the Inter-Religious Council—said the council is concerned about conflicting public statements on whether voters should remain at polling stations after casting their ballots.
Archbishop Kazimba said the differing views reflect weak leadership and poor management of the electoral process.
He noted that when citizens feel compelled to guard their votes, it signals deep anxiety about whether institutions will faithfully execute their mandate. He called on the Electoral Commission to put in place measures that reassure citizens through transparency and accountability at every stage of the electoral process.
Looking ahead to the 2026 general elections, Archbishop Kazimba said the council has developed a digital civic education and voter mobilisation handbook targeting religious leaders across the country.
He explained that the handbook is intended to guide congregations and communities on civic responsibility, voter participation, and peaceful engagement, as part of the Inter-Religious Council’s contribution to promoting free and fair elections.
As the year draws to a close, Archbishop Kazimba urged Ugandans to embrace peace and called on security agencies to uphold the human rights of citizens.
Pastor Joseph Sserwadda of Victory Christian Center in Ndeeba said the council also condemns the arbitrary arrest and detention of Ugandans by security forces during the campaign period.
Pastor Sserwadda noted that acts of arbitrary arrest, abduction, and detention without communication undermine democracy and erode public trust in state institutions.
He cited the abduction and detention of Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira of Masaka Diocese earlier this year as an example, saying the incident has caused widespread public anxiety and anger. He called on security personnel to act professionally and respect human rights.
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