The Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, has issued a strong call to political leaders and citizens to refrain from electoral violence, emphasizing that such actions undermine the country’s democratic principles and human dignity.
Speaking at the launch of the Justice and Peace Commission’s Strategic Plan 2025–2029 at the Kampala Archdiocese, Archbishop Ssemogerere expressed deep concern over recent incidents of violence, shootings, and intimidation that ruin the National Resistance Movement (NRM) internal elections.
The violence, which took place during the party’s primaries last week, resulted in multiple injuries and at least some reported deaths.
“What we have witnessed during the NRM primaries is deeply troubling, the shooting of people and the intimidation that has characterized the process are unacceptable. Violence should not be part of our politics, we must respect human rights and ensure justice for all,” the archbishop stated.
The Archbishop’s comments echo earlier condemnation by President Yoweri Museveni, who also decried the violence reported in various parts of the country.
Archbishop Ssemogerere urged all political actors to embrace civility and dialogue ahead of the 2026 general elections as he called on leaders to conduct peaceful, free, and fair campaigns, and encouraged voters to elect individuals of integrity who reject corruption.
“Elections should be a time of expressing choices, not of violence and fear. Politicians must learn to respect each other and the will of the people,” he said.
The launch event also served as a platform for unveiling the Catholic Church’s five-year strategic plan under the Justice and Peace Commission.
The plan focuses on strengthening civic responsibility, promoting social justice, and advancing human rights across Uganda.
It centres on five key pillars: the promotion of human dignity based on Catholic social teaching, addressing inequality and leadership accountability, civic education to bolster democratic values, fostering interfaith and inter-community dialogue, and supporting vulnerable populations such as displaced persons and victims of human trafficking.
As part of its peacebuilding efforts, the Commission also announced a series of “peace marathons” to be held across the country. The first event is scheduled for September 6.
“Let’s run for peace. Let us stand for justice. And let us build a country where every person’s dignity is respected,” Archbishop Ssemogerere urged.
The Catholic Church’s initiative comes at a critical time for Uganda, as the nation prepares for another electoral season amid ongoing calls for transparency, accountability, and nonviolence in the political arena.