The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, has asked religious leaders in Kigezi Sub region to safeguard Uganda’s long-standing freedom of worship and the spirit of tolerance that continues to define the nation’s religious harmony.
Minister Oboth-Oboth made the call on Wednesday while opening a three-day symposium bringing together more than 90 religious leaders from the Kigezi sub-region in Kabale District.
The meeting, themed “The Interface Between Religious Leaders in Strengthening National Security,” is among the key events leading up to the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations in Kigezi.
Minister Oboth-Oboth said Uganda remains a model of religious coexistence, attributing this to President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership and constitutional protection of religious freedom.
“You will find Christians and Muslims together at public events without tension. This is something we must protect,” he noted.
He encouraged communities to uphold respect and peaceful interaction, explaining that greetings such as Salaam Alaikum, Shalom, or traditional cultural greetings are expressions of peace rather than declarations of personal faith.
“You don’t have to belong to a particular religion to respond to a greeting of peace,” he added.
Minister Oboth-Oboth reminded religious leaders of their critical role in shaping values, resolving conflicts, and fostering unity.
“Every week you speak to congregations. You are trusted voices, and when you speak, people listen,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry), Hon. David Bahati, reaffirmed that President Museveni has consistently upheld freedom of worship. He encouraged religious leaders to use Inter-Religious Council structures to promote harmony and champion wealth creation initiatives within their communities.
Later, Oboth-Oboth addressed military veterans attending a separate three-day symposium, where he thanked them for their dedicated service. He highlighted government progress in improving pensions, expanding access to medical care, and amending the UPDF Act to benefit both serving and retired officers.
“Retirement is no longer something to fear,” he said, revealing that government is considering establishing a national day dedicated to honouring veterans.
Earlier in Kabale, the Minister led senior UPDF officers in laying a wreath at Kabale Stadium in honour of Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) fighters who were executed at the site on 10 February 1973 during Idi Amin’s regime.
“Today we honour the brave sons of Kigezi who were executed at this site by Idi Amin’s dictatorship,” Oboth-Oboth remarked.
He noted that President Museveni has directed the UPDF to preserve Uganda’s liberation history. The burial site is the final resting place of Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi, and Kangire Kagoro David.
Oboth-Oboth also revealed that the UPDF is constructing a monument at the site, expected to be unveiled by President Museveni on 6 February during the Tarehe Sita celebrations.
“Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. This monument will remind us why they were killed and why we must protect the democracy we have today,” he said.
The wreath-laying ceremony marked the beginning of a series of activities highlighting Kigezi’s central role in Uganda’s liberation journey.
