Stakeholders in the Kigezi sub-region are calling for the prosecution of religious leaders and politicians who promote politics based on religion.
The demand was made during a civic education dialogue on strengthening democracy beyond religion and politics, which took place on Thursday at White Horse Inn in Kabale Municipality. The event was organized by the Electoral Commission in Partnership with Kigezi Media Services.
The Executive Director of Kick Corruption Out of Uganda Robert Byamugisha Kakuru emphasized the need for a legal framework that prohibits the promotion of identity-based politics, which undermines good governance and democracy.
He warned that if the issue of identity politics is not addressed swiftly, it could lead to catastrophic consequences, including genocide. He further stated that it is time to publicly expose and shame politicians and religious leaders who promote such divisive politics.
Dan Nabaasa Musinguzi, an aspiring Member of Parliament for Kabale Municipality, criticized politicians who engage in identity-based politics. He argued that these politicians lack solid political ideologies, are deceitful, and have eroded the trust of voters.
Musinguzi urged that the focus should shift to evaluating candidates based on their abilities and commitment to service delivery for meaningful development.
Gilbert Mwebembezi, the Kigezi region’s Police Community Liaison Officer, highlighted the deep-rooted sectarianism in the region, driven by religion. He pointed out that members of the security forces have faced restrictions on their freedom to worship due to religious bias, and religious leaders often pressure officers to make decisions favoring their faith communities.
Sam Twijukye, the NRM flag bearer for Bufundi Sub-county’s male district councilor seat, shared his personal experience of being denied entry to a church of a different denomination, alongside a fellow candidate in the recent NRM primaries. He called for the arrest and prosecution of religious leaders who engage in such discriminatory practices.
Wilkins Arinaitwe, a Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) supporter, accused the National Resistance Movement (NRM) of failing to address the issue of identity politics during its 40 years in power. He suggested that intermarriage could be a solution to the problem.
Gideon Tumwesigye, Speaker for the People’s Front for Freedom in the southwestern estate, noted that many people hesitate to condemn identity politics because they benefit from it. He stressed the need for a collective approach to overcome these divisive practices.
Sam Arinaitwe, Chairman of the Central Division in Kabale Municipality, explained that money has become a key factor in politics, with places of worship often serving as venues for politicians to meet with large crowds. He argued that politicians exploit these platforms to divide the masses and ease political management.
Isa Tindyebwa, Chairman of the Kabale Muslim Supreme Council, echoed the call for action against religious leaders who divide people along religious lines. However, he noted that the government itself has benefited from identity politics, especially in the Kigezi sub-region, making it less likely to punish those responsible for promoting such practices.
The Director of Bricops International, Agnes Success from Rukiga District, stated that the root cause of identity politics is moral degeneration. He expressed disappointment that many religious leaders, who should be role models of high moral character, are instead perpetuating these divisive practices.
Both he and Agnes Success called for electoral reforms to bar identity-based politics and emphasized the need for continuous civic education to raise awareness about its dangers.
Kigezi Police Spokesperson Elly Maate described politicians promoting identity politics as enemies of development. He stressed that sectarianism has become a major security concern in the region, leading to violence, including murder and assault.
Kigezi Regional Police Commander Alex Wawire also condemned identity politics, stating that it has resulted in the election of incompetent leaders. He urged the public to report those responsible, so that the law can take its course.
Southwestern Election Officer Robert Beine agreed with the discussants, emphasizing the need for electoral reforms and stronger laws to tackle identity politics, similar to the approach taken in Rwanda, where individuals promoting such politics are arrested.
He further noted that identity-based politics have become a barrier for the police in carrying out their duties effectively.
