Press Releases: PRESS RELEASE-6th November 2015

Press Releases: PRESS RELEASE-6th November 2015

CONGRATULATING PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES UPON NOMINATION, CALL FOR CALM DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, THANKING GOVERNMENT AND OPPOSITION FOR AGREEING TO STOP FORMATION OF MILITIAS.

The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda takes this opportunity to congratulate His Excellence Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hon. Amama Mbabazi, Dr. Abed Bwanika, Prof. Venanscius Baryamureba, Mrs. Maureen Kyalya Walube, Mr. Joseph Mabirizi, and Maj. Gen. Benon Biraaro upon their nomination as Presidential Candidates.

We also want to thank all Ugandans for turning up in large numbers to support their candidates at Namboole, and celebrating with them their nomination in the different spaces they went to. The large crowds that followed each candidate must be a reminder to all candidates about the immense impact they have on all those individuals’ lives and decisions.

We are aware that some political parties are conducting party primaries, as the presidential campaigns also go on. As a result, we urge all Candidates to be at the fore-front of promoting peaceful campaigns. It is important that our leaders encourage a culture of political co-existence and tolerance. People should allow others to think, speak and act differently since we all cannot have the same political interests at all times.

We do not want to see unfortunate scenarios similar to those that happened in areas such as Iganga, Kigezi, Sembabule, Mityana, and Luwero during the NRM primaries happening again. Elections and campaigns must not be marred by violence and chaos.  As your shepherds, it is our responsibility to constantly remind you of the critical values that will enable us build a united, peaceful, and prosperous country.

Unity and peaceful co-existence is very important if any nation is to thrive. All candidates should therefore thrive to promote unity irrespective of our political diversity; because at the end of the day, the electoral period will end, but Uganda and its people will remain.

We urge all citizens to desist from hate speech and reject any leaders who promote animosity. We all should support values that uplift our motto, “For God and My Country”.

We want to thank the government and opposition for reaching an agreement to stop the formation of militias. We particularly thank them for coming to the realization that peace, stability and security of the country must be guarded jealously. We must continue to say never to our bloody history characterized by confrontational politics and reliance on the gun to seek and sustain leadership.

We also remind religious leaders to uphold our prophetic voice in promoting peace and stability. We should remain independent, impartial and non-partisan in our pastoral role. We should continue to preach love, peace, unity, and political co-existence. We should constantly remind all Ugandans that the electoral period is just a season that will pass, but our brotherhood will remain.

Finally, we thank all Ugandans who turned up for the National Prayers at Kololo on 3rd October 2015. We also remind you that IRCU will hold a presidential debate on 15th January 2016 to engage our candidates and listen to their ideas for the development of our country.

May God Bless you all.

HIS GRACE THE MOST REV. STANLEY NTAGALI

CHAIRPERSON IRCU COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS /

ARCHBISHOP OF THE PROVINCE OF THE CHURCH OF UGANDA

 “Welcoming the Other in Love and Dialogue.”