By Lumpe Media
KAMPALA – Religious, cultural, and community leaders from across Kampala gathered at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel for a strategic engagement aimed at reinforcing peace, reconciliation, and national unity following the 2026 general elections.
The meeting brought together prominent figures including Msgr. Lawrence Ssemusu, various interreligious leaders, cultural leaders, Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), and other key community stakeholders. The engagement focused on assessing the post-election environment and strengthening collaborative efforts to maintain stability in the country.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in a special message delivered on his behalf by the Senior Presidential Envoy for Buganda Affairs, Joseph Mukasa Ssewava, commended religious leaders for the vital role they played before, during, and after the elections. The President recognized their efforts in mobilizing citizens to participate peacefully in the democratic process and in discouraging actions that could have led to unrest.
In his message, President Museveni emphasized the importance of preaching peace, harmony, and reconciliation in the aftermath of the elections. He urged religious leaders to continue guiding their congregations toward acceptance of the leaders declared winners by the Electoral Commission (EC). According to the President, the stability experienced after the polls was largely attributed to consistent messages of calm and restraint delivered by faith leaders across the country.
“Politics must not be a zero-sum game, but a voluntary endeavor to serve the masses in a win-win dimension,” the President stated. He stressed that leadership should focus on service delivery and national development rather than division.
Mr. Ssewava highlighted that despite the tension and anxiety that characterized the immediate post-election period, religious leaders remained steadfast in promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence. He noted that their engagement with communities helped restore normalcy and allowed citizens to resume social and economic activities without disruption.
The President also expressed appreciation to the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, for her role in grassroots mobilization and supporting development initiatives. Additionally, he thanked the media for their coverage of national events and for contributing to public awareness.
Speaking during the meeting, Msgr. Lawrence Ssemusu underscored that peace remains a prerequisite for sustainable development. “Without peace, nothing can take place,” he said, emphasizing that religious institutions have a responsibility to foster reconciliation, especially among individuals and political actors dissatisfied with the election outcomes.
Kampala RCC Lule Mawiya commended religious leaders and residents of the capital for maintaining calm throughout the post-election period. However, he cautioned that maintaining order in Kampala remains a priority, particularly in trade and transport sectors.
Mawiya reminded attendees that with only 19 days remaining before the expiry of a directive against illegal street vending, authorities would soon begin enforcement operations. He warned street traders, boda boda riders, and taxi operators to comply with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) regulations to ensure order and smooth operations within the city.
The engagement concluded with renewed commitments from both government representatives and religious leaders to work collaboratively in safeguarding peace, strengthening unity, and advancing national development in the post-election period.
Special Envoy Eng. Ssewava Mukasa also ended by thanking the Statehouse comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye for championing proactive grassroots mobilization of the massline for development.
