The Ndorwa West County Member of Parliament-elect, Eliab Naturinda Mporera, has rallied residents in the Kigezi sub-region to use religion as a tool for promoting development instead of creating divisions within communities.
Religious politics in Kigezi has in recent years sparked controversy, particularly during the November 2024 Kisoro District Woman MP by-election. At the time, anonymous letters allegedly circulated by Catholic supporters urged fellow Catholics to spy on Protestants and bribe voters to block Akifeeza Grace Ngabirano, a Protestant, from defeating Rose Kabagyeni, a Catholic.
In February 2025, Rev. Fr. Felix Eugene Odeda, the Muko Parish priest in Rubanda Deanery, revealed during Mass that Kabale Diocesan tribunal, had resolved that only political leaders subscribing to the Roman Catholic faith should be voted into Parliament ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In June 2025, while presiding over a confirmation service at Nyamweru Church of Uganda Parish in Rubanda District, Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna urged Christians to support Jogo Kenneth Biryabarema, a Protestant, in the NRM primary elections for Rubanda East County Member of Parliament. Biryabarema contested against the incumbent MP, Henry Musasizi Ariganyira.
The controversies have repeatedly prompted Yoweri Museveni to condemn religious sectarianism, describing its promoters as enemies of Uganda. Museveni has previously labeled sectarianism as a “toxic” and “rubbish” practice that has historically undermined Uganda’s progress, citing sectarian conflicts between 1966 and 1986, the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
While addressing LC5 councillors and LC3 chairpersons from Ndorwa West Constituency at Cephas Inn Hotel in Kabale Municipality on Saturday, MP Naturinda expressed concern over the growing use of religious sentiments in local affairs, saying the trend threatens unity and development in Kigezi.
Naturinda said leaders must abandon sectarian tendencies and instead focus on issues that improve people’s livelihoods. He noted that although people belong to different faiths, religion should never be used to divide communities or influence development programmes.
“We are tired of unnecessary religious sentiments. Being Anglican or Catholic is okay, but the most important thing is ensuring that religion does not create division among our people,” Naturinda said.
He added that leaders in Kigezi have agreed to work together to end sectarianism and instead use religious institutions to promote development.
Naturinda revealed that leaders from Ndorwa West, including LC3 chairpersons and LC5 councillors, plan to organise a meeting in October bringing together parish priests, archdeacons, the district Woman MP and other legislators to discuss how religious leaders can contribute to community development.
He observed that many public functions in Kigezi are increasingly being viewed through religious lines, yet leaders should attend such gatherings with the sole purpose of discussing development issues.
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The MP-elect also outlined his priorities ahead of taking oath of office next Friday, saying education will be among his key focus areas.
On infrastructure, Naturinda welcomed government plans to upgrade roads in the area, including the road from NTC Mwirangizo to Kakomo via Kagarama, following a directive from President Museveni.
He said local leaders now have the responsibility of following up on the implementation of the road projects to ensure government funds are properly utilised.
Naturinda also emphasised household-based economic empowerment through the “Okushenshera” programme, a Runyankore-Rukiga concept meaning close monitoring of households.
He said leaders should understand the living conditions of families in their villages, including whether households own productive assets such as banana plantations or poultry, in line with the government’s poverty eradication agenda.
The MP-elect further pledged to revamp the Greater Kabale Community SACCO to strengthen financial support and economic empowerment initiatives within the constituency.
Naturinda also commended the media for promoting accountability and information dissemination, urging leaders to always involve journalists while implementing government projects.
He said the “fourth estate” remains critical in informing the public and ensuring transparency in service delivery.
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Meanwhile, Kabale Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ADRC) Nelson Black Atwongyeire urged leaders to put aside political rivalries that emerged during the past elections and instead unite for the development of Ndorwa West Constituency.
Atwongyeire also advised leaders against comparing the current leadership with previous administrations, emphasising that every leader has unique strengths and capabilities that can contribute to the constituency’s growth.
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