Religious Leaders Call for Unity to Tackle Regional Challenges

Rukiga District: Religious leaders from various denominations in Rukiga district have called for unity and cooperation among communities to address common challenges such as poverty and religious sectarianism that continue to affect the Kigezi region.

Speaking during a meeting of religious leaders on Friday at Kitanga Parish, Lt Col. James Mwesigye commissioner in Charge of RDCs and RCCs in western Uganda who served as the chief guest  emphasized the need for social and economic transformation through collective effort. Mwesigye urged citizens to remain united and focused on shared goals, noting that poverty and division can only be overcome through teamwork and mutual respect.

He also cautioned that candidates running as independents are not supported by the NRM ruling party or the president. He urged the public not to be misled, saying the president has made it clear that members should support the party’s official flag bearer in the forthcoming elections.

‘’ President Museveni has never supported independents, and recently the NRM party members convened a meeting with President Museveni in Gulu who strongly discouraged those who lost the NRM elections to stand as independents but rather support the flag bearers. Those independent candidates peddling lies that they were sent by the President are staunch liars.” Mwesigye cautioned

Meanwhile, Rev .Fr.Marious Byamukama the host of the meeting said he had invited all religious leaders to the  parish gathering to discuss how unity can be strengthened even amidst diversity. He noted that participants had discussed several development initiatives, including livestock rearing and other income-generating projects.

Byamukama added that religion has not caused division in their district as it has in some other areas, saying that their communities remain united and committed to spreading the “Gospel of unity.”

Abdu Mugisha, Chairman for Kitanga Moslem Mosque also testified that religious leaders in the area are now more united than before, when political and religious differences used to create hostility. He sent a strong message to those still dividing people along religious lines, urging them to learn from the peace and cooperation now being demonstrated in their district.

Rev. Canon Manasse Turyatunga, Archdeacon Nyabirerema Archdeaconry   commended the timing of the meeting, saying it came at a crucial moment ahead of the 2026 general elections. He stressed that unity is strength and that working together would help bring competent leaders to power and accelerate community development