Religious leaders pray for peace ahead of Uganda’s 15 January elections

12 January 2026, 1:31 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As the nation prepares for the general elections scheduled for 15 January 2026, religious leaders across Uganda yesterday held special prayers, asking God for a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process.

The Lead Pastor of Christian Life Church, Bwaise in Kampala, Jackson Senyonga, urged believers during the main Sunday service to participate in the elections while avoiding violence.

“On Thursday, Uganda will go to the polls to elect leaders who will guide God’s people for the next five years. We pray that God continues to protect our nation as He always has. We urge you to vote for your preferred candidates, but do not engage in any form of violence,” Senyonga said.

Similarly, the Lead Pastor of The Worship House, Nansana in Wakiso District, Wilson Bugembe, asked congregants to stand and pray for the country before delivering his sermon.

“Let us all stand and pray for our country to experience a peaceful election period. We believe it is God who gives leaders to the people, and we pray that He chooses leaders who will guide His people. As a church, we wish all candidates the best of luck,” Bugembe said.

Bugembe further noted that voting has existed since biblical times, citing the incident when Judas Iscariot was replaced after prayer, leading to Matthias being chosen by the apostles.

Recently, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Steven Kazimba Mugalu, encouraged Christians to turn out and vote during his Christmas message at All Saints’ Cathedral, Nakasero, while also urging the Electoral Commission to ensure a free and fair electoral process.

Last Friday, Muslims across the country dedicated Juma prayers to seeking peace during the election period.

Meanwhile, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party presidential flag bearer, Yoweri Museveni Tibuhaburwa Kaguta, met with four groups: Muslim supporters, students from higher institutions under Sauti ya Vijana, the Unstoppable Group, and individuals claiming to be former National Unity Platform members. The groups pledged their support, and Museveni thanked them for standing with him.

“I urge you to work with us to enforce free education in government schools so that no child is illegally charged,” Museveni said.

He also called on voters to elect leaders capable of effectively monitoring government programmes, including the availability of medicines in public hospitals and the implementation of free education.

“I strongly condemn corruption in all its forms. Reports of jobs being sold at district level and the theft of drugs must stop. I reiterate the message of wealth creation, urging every household to join the money economy through PDM and other government programmes. Uganda is doing well. Our economy is growing steadily, and we now have surpluses in most products,” he added.

Meanwhile, the National Unity Platform leadership is preparing to welcome its presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, in Kampala Central Division. Party leaders say preparations are complete and are optimistic he will receive a warm reception.

Other presidential candidates, including Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flag bearer Nathan Nandala Mafabi, are also gearing up for the final days of campaigning, which began last year.