The Council of Presidents of Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has organized the weekend of February 12-14, 2016 to conduct national prayers for peace, unity and stability as the country prepares for the General Elections due February 18, 2016.
Sheikh Ramadhan Shaban Mubajje, Co-Chair IRCU and the Mufti of Uganda said that the prayers will be held by all religious faiths in Uganda at their respective places of worship.“The Muslims are expected to hold their prayer day on Friday February 12, while the Seventh-day Adventists on Saturday February 13 and the Catholics, Anglicans, Orthodox, Pentecostals, Evangelicals and others on Sunday February 14, respectively,” he said.
Addressing journalists on Friday February 5 at the offices of the IRCU in Namirembe, a Kampala suburb; reflecting on the Status of the 2016 General elections, Sheikh Ramadhan pointed out some of the challenges that have in the past brought the would-be democratic process to disrepute. “These are such as:- inadequate internal democracy within political parties, credibility of the Electoral Commission, vote buying, voter apathy, intolerance and violence, militia groups, intimidation, use of abusive language and ballot stuffing,” he said adding that. “A few weeks to the polling day, these issues remain the key concerns of many people both within and outside the country and there is a need for urgent action.”
The Mufti urged all leaders from the Christian, Muslim, and other communities to pray for the candidates, the voters, various groups including women, children and the youth for a peaceful election.
He also called on all politicians not to bribe voters, incite violence or hold voters to their personal desires. He advised that they need to display a high level of statesmanship so that they can be able to lead this country to prosperity.
Meanwhile, the Vicar General of Kampala Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Charles Kasibante who represented Most Rev. Charles Kizito Lwanga, the Archbishop of Kampala urged believers to pray to God to provide the right leaders for the country.
“As religious leaders we are not supposed to be involved in partisan election or campaign for any individual politician because all sides are our people and people of
God. Politicians are welcomed to our churches but we call upon everyone to pray that God would provide the right leaders for the country vote,” Fr. Kasibante said.
God. Politicians are welcomed to our churches but we call upon everyone to pray that God would provide the right leaders for the country vote,” Fr. Kasibante said.
The Press Conference was also attended by the Secretary General of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Msgr John Baptist Kauta and the former chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission and the head of the Elders Forum, Justice James Ogoola.
Justice Ogoola called on all Ugandans to vote for a leader who can lead Uganda with a steady hand and a sober head in matters of International Relations.
He also urged everyone to show support for the second Presidential Elections debate slated for February 13, 2016. The debate will focus on foreign policy, taking into account regional integration, border trade, and crime among others, one of the organizers.
The debate will also take into account how Uganda features in the inter-play of affairs between the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa.