Nebbi religious leaders call for unity amid political tensions

Nebbi: Religious leaders in Nebbi have called for peaceful and constructive political campaigns as the 2026 general elections approach.

The appeal was made on December 20, 2024, during a thanksgiving and end-of-year prayer event organized by the Nebbi Urban Archdeaconry of the Church of Uganda.

The ceremony, held at St. Mark Church of Uganda Afere in Nebbi Municipality, brought together political leaders from the region.

This strong statement against disunity aligns with the church’s mission within the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, focused on fostering unity across political divides.

As political tensions escalate ahead of the 2026 elections, incumbent leaders are working hard to retain their positions, while new aspirants are rallying grassroots support to challenge them.

Venerable Canon Jimmy Oweka, Archdeacon of Nebbi Urban Archdeaconry, emphasized that politics should not be about attacking one another but rather about working collaboratively for the development of the community.

He also commended Hashim Sulaiman, the MP for Nebbi Municipality, for his ongoing generous support toward the construction of church and mosque-related projects despite the financial challenges facing religious institutions.

Oweka further called for respect towards leaders entrusted with responsibilities to guide the community. The political scramble in Nebbi has already led to visible disunity among leaders, many of whom are unable to work together harmoniously.

Archbishop Raphael P’mony Wokorach, the Apostolic Administrator of Nebbi Catholic Diocese, echoed these sentiments during a recent burial ceremony at the Heart of Mary Immaculate Cathedral in Nebbi. He urged political leaders to promote unity rather than sow discord among the people.

Imam Mutwalib Olyedhire of Taqua Mosque also commended the unity of Nebbi’s political leaders during a fundraising event on December 20. He called for continued support towards the construction of sanitation and clean water facilities at the mosque.

MP Hashim Sulaiman expressed the importance of fostering a cordial relationship between political leaders, churches, and mosques. He pledged to continue supporting religious institutions and urged other political leaders to focus on results that would earn them the trust and support of the people.

The church is facing significant challenges, particularly with dwindling donor support, compounded by the government’s stance on homosexuality.

Despite these challenges, Sulaiman promised ongoing support to religious leaders and encouraged them to communicate their challenges for effective planning. He also donated Ugx 2 million to Taqua Mosque for its ongoing sanitation and water facility projects.

Geoffrey Ngiriker, the mayor of Nebbi Municipality, praised church leaders for standing against divisive politics and called for unity and constructive, mature political engagement to ensure Nebbi’s development.

He pledged future support for Taqua Mosque and made an unspecified financial contribution to the mosque’s projects.

In Uganda, politicians often exploit ethnic and religious identities, exacerbating tensions and resource-based conflicts. Ngiriker urged locals to recognize true leaders who seek to build the community and avoid those who fuel confusion during election periods.

Religious leaders continue to play a vital role in promoting unity, harmony, and tolerance, especially in times of ethnic or religious conflict.

Rev. Grace Dhugira, Parish Priest of Nebbi Town Parish Church of Uganda, highlighted the church’s role in accommodating all leaders regardless of political affiliation, and praised leaders like MP Hashim Sulaiman for their consistent support.

At the close of the event, church leaders led joint prayers for Nebbi’s political leaders, encouraging them to practice unity and harmony as the 2026 elections approach.

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