Religious leaders across the country have used Easter Sunday celebrations to urge security personnel to observe civility before , during and after next year’s General Elections .
The run up to elections and after the polls are usually marred by chaos which sometimes leave citizens dead and others maimed .
In his Easter message at St. Phillips and Andrews Cathedral, Mukono Bishop Enos Kitto Kagodo called on the security agencies to be merciful of their core mandate of protecting citizens and their property ,not torturing them .
“ Let security personnel always remember Jesus when doing their work and avoid mistreating citizens . Don’t be tough on people during elections, guide them and create peace like Jesus did, let’s be united as Ugandans ,” the Bishop said.
He also advised the youth ,who form majority of the current Ugandan population to distance themselves from all forms of violence –saying this might affect their future plans in all spheres of life.
Recently during the commemoration of 44th Tarehe Sita Day in Kyotera District , the chief of Defense Forces ,Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba said the Army is ready to crush all elements that are bent on breaching peace during elections.
In Masaka , the newly enthroned Buganda Diocese Bishop Gaster Nsereko criticised the use of excessive force by security organs, pointing to last month’s chaotic by-election in Kawempe North Constituency in Kampala City , where Journalists were beaten up by rogue soldiers and operatives attached Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) .
“Those were ungodly acts. Why would you attack a journalist who is not armed? As we cross into the election period, we pray that there is harmony and all people play their roles as mandated without infringing others’ rights” the prelate observed
He advised all those planning to vie for various political offices to focus on issues in their manifestos instead of attacking and mudslinging their opponents , saying this might incite violence and chaos.
Delivering his Easter message at Our Lady of Sorrows Cathedral at Kitovu, Masaka City , Masaka Bishop Serverus Jjumba slammed the errant security operatives who brutalise citizens they’re mandated to protect.
At the Queen of Peace Cathedral, Kasana- Luweero Diocese, the Diocesan Bishop Lawrence Mukasa asked Christians to walk a life that reflects the risen Christ. He also warned them against acts of defilement and witchcraft.
At St Mark Cathedral, Luweero Diocese, Bishop Wilson Kisekka urged Ugandans to respect human dignity and the love others like they love themselves .
In his Easter message President Museveni said he was happy that security agencies had done their duty very well as Christians took part in the Way of the Cross last Friday .
“I commend the security forces , for guiding and protecting the people , who took part in processions to mark the crucifixion ”the President said
He said spirituality is one of the fundamental human needs which the ruling NRM has always valued . “ … the message of the NRM is that our people are free to develop their spirituality (ie ,cultivating the fear of God ,to guard against temptation of evil deeds like murder ,corruption ,lying etc)” he said