The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged political leaders to reject violence and promote peace as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.
Speaking during Easter carols and Holy Communion prayers held at Parliament on April 10, 2025, Archbishop Kaziimba called on politicians to avoid a repeat of the violence witnessed during the recently concluded Kawempe Division North by-election.
“Respect for one another should be promoted, and character assassination must be eradicated. Even if you belong to different political parties, you are still one people,” the Archbishop said.
The service was attended by Members of Parliament, parliamentary staff, and selected members of the public.
Dr. Kaziimba emphasized that true leadership involves seeking unity and mutual victory in every debate or disagreement.
He also encouraged politicians to place their trust in God and keep hope alive as they prepare for the upcoming national polls.
Drawing a parallel with the life of Jesus Christ, Dr. Kaziimba noted that politics has always existed and that even Christ was politically persecuted from birth to crucifixion under Roman Governor Pontius Pilate.
“Politics has been around since the time of Christ, and his death was politically motivated. But his resurrection gives us hope. As Christians, we must not lose that hope,” he said.
Representing Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Government Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Obua echoed the Archbishop’s sentiments. He encouraged Christians to focus not on how they begin, but on how they end their journeys.
“Christ’s final three days were filled with anguish and agony. He was mocked and tortured, yet he triumphed through his resurrection,” Obua said. “In everything we do, it’s not the beginning that matters most it’s the end.”
Obua also applauded the growing Christian fellowship within Parliament, commending the Anglican chaplain, Rev. Gillian Okello, for her continued dedication to strengthening the spiritual life of the institution.
