The Interreligious Council of Uganda has issued a warning to religious leaders against being lured into using their pulpits for political campaigns saying this could spark the country into a political insecurity ahead of the 2026 general elections.

This was during a media briefing held at their offices in Kampala.

IRCU Board Chairperson Monsignor Charles Kasibante urged the electoral commission to ensure that the elections are free and fair by ensuring that every eligible voter exercises their constitutional right to cast a vote freely and peacefully.

As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, the country has witnessed a growing trend among certain voices, both within faith communities and the wider public to make partisan pronouncements in the lead up to the forthcoming elections.

Coupled with the increasing allegations of arrests and abductions, voices for peaceful elections are seemingly many from both the opposition, religious and non- government organizations.

Among the many voices is the Interreligious Council of Uganda which has issued a strong call for faith leaders to desist from aligning their pulpits with political campaigns but rather teach civic responsibility, encourage lawful participation and remind their congregants that their vote is their voice.

According to Monsignor Charles Kasibante, the Chairperson Board of the Interreligious Council of Uganda, the role of faith leaders is to provide moral guidance, foster unity and safeguard the dignity of all Ugandans irrespective of their religious, political and ethnic affiliation.  

He sounded a call to the electoral commission to ensure that the elections are free and fair by ensuring that every eligible voter exercises their constitutional right to cast a vote freely and peacefully.

Addressing the media at their offices in Kampala, the Electoral Commission Chairperson Simon Byabakama Mugenyi warned politicians against extending campaigns into public places such as markets and worship places.

This move has been welcomed by the Interreligious Council of Uganda who believes that the county’s stability should be fronted ahead of other factors. This however has affected them in either way.

To political parties and candidates, the Interreligious Council urged them to compete on ideas rather than identities while the security agencies are implored to protect all citizens equally.

Other areas of focus included the media, development partners and general public who equally play an important role in the elections.