Tooro: Religious leaders gather for interfaith prayers for peaceful 2026 elections

31 October 2025, 15:37

By Clare Nayebare

Religious leaders from different faiths in the Tooro region this week on Wednesday at Bishop Robert Muhiirwa’s residence in Fort Portal to pray for peace and fairness ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections. Led by Bishop Muhiirwa, who serves as Vice Chairperson of the Interreligious Council – Tooro Chapter, the leaders called for transparent elections, respect among candidates, and calm from security agencies. They also prayed for unity and development within Tooro Kingdom, blessing King Oyo and the Queen Mother, and encouraging the preservation of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, religious leaders from the Tooro region have come together to pray for peace, fairness, and unity across the country.

The prayer gathering, organized by the Interreligious Council – Tooro Chapter, on Wednesday took place at the Catholic Bishop’s Residence in Kijanju, Fort Portal City and brought together religious leaders from different religions including:

• Bishop Robert Muhiirwa – Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal
• Bishop Jimmy Katuramu – Pentecostal Church
• Bishop Reuben Kisembo – Ruwenzori Diocese (Anglican)
• Sheikh Twaibu Tibenda – Muslim Community
• Bishop Charles Bamuroho – Renewal Evangelical Ministries
• Bishop Richard Rusoke – Seventh-Day Adventist Church
• Bishop Sanyu Joseph – Christian Fellowship Church

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Bishop Muhiirwa, who also serves as Vice Chairperson of the Interreligious Council – Tooro Chapter, noted that the leaders gathered to pray for two main intentions namely peaceful elections in 2026 and continued unity and development within Tooro Kingdom.

 

“We prayed that this election period will be peaceful and free from the violence and irregularities that have affected past elections,” Bishop Muhiirwa said. “We also prayed for transparency, fairness, and respect for all citizens’ rights.”

The leaders, called on the Electoral Commission to ensure that voting materials are distributed fairly and that the entire process is transparent. They urged the Judiciary to handle any election petitions with honesty and justice, and appealed to journalists to remain objective in their reporting.

Peace and order

Bishop Muhiirwa, on behalf of the rest of the religious leaders, also encouraged security agencies to focus on maintaining peace and order rather than creating tension, saying Uganda needs a calm and fair environment for all voters.

The gathering also included special prayers for presidential candidates, Members of Parliament, and local government aspirants, asking them to conduct peaceful campaigns and respect their opponents. The leaders strongly condemned ritual killings and sacrifices linked to politics, calling on all candidates to accept results gracefully and put the nation’s peace above personal ambition.

Bishop Rauben Kisembo the Chairperson Inter-Religious Counci Tooro Chapter, Called on all religious leaders not to publicly show sides of support to politicians, and the journanlists to report objectively in the election period.

A call to a more unified and developmental Kingdom

Beyond the elections, the council also discussed issues affecting the Tooro Kingdom. They prayed for King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, asking God to bless him with wisdom and a suitable partner for continuity and the future of the kingdom. They also prayed for the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa, to continue guiding the kingdom with wisdom and care.

Reserving Culture

The council emphasized the importance of preserving Tooro’s cultural heritage, urging the Kingdom to renovate the royal graves of past kings and queens, noting that these sites are part of Tooro’s identity and could also promote tourism.