On the eve of a planned march against corruption in Kampala City, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has issued a compelling press statement emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in nation-building and calling for renewed efforts in addressing the nation’s challenges.
In the statement, released on July 22, 2024, and signed by the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Province of the Church of Uganda and Chairperson of the Council of Presidents, the IRCU reiterated the critical role every citizen and constituency must play in building a stable and thriving nation.
“History and our own experience as a country are proof that certain constituencies in the nation might feel left out in critical decision-making processes that shape the face and fabric of this nation,” the statement read. “Therefore, in keeping with their rights as citizens, the affected constituencies can express their dissatisfaction using lawful means and seek ways of re-engaging with nation-building processes and frameworks.”
The IRCU likened the fabric of nations to the human body, stressing the need for periodic review and checkup, especially when there are strains and pains. Acknowledging the global struggle to address various societal challenges, the religious leaders highlighted the importance of engaging dissatisfactions constructively.
“We have sought to guide the nation on a number of issues such as good governance, prevention of gender-based violence, and promoting social accountability through the fight against corruption,” the statement continued.
The IRCU expressed encouragement by the government’s renewed efforts to combat corruption, particularly recent commitments made by President Yoweri Museveni in the State of the Nation address. The council urged citizens to support these efforts by adopting values of transparency and integrity.
Reflecting on their long-standing call for a National Dialogue, initiated in 2016, the IRCU emphasized the need for inclusive engagement to address issues hampering the nation’s stability, unity, and prosperity. The statement reaffirmed the council’s conviction that dialogue is key to holding the nation together and ensuring a more promising future.
The press statement also addressed the specific grievances of the youth, highlighting the IRCU’s role in creating spaces for dialogue and building consensus. “We urge all those with issues of concern, particularly the youth, to adopt peaceful and constructive dialogue as a means of conflict resolution,” the statement urged.
Additionally, the IRCU called for a holistic approach to addressing the diverse aches and pains felt by various constituencies, including children, women, the elderly, people with disabilities, farmers, business people, doctors, and teachers. The council underscored the need for actions guided by the national motto “For God and My Country,” emphasizing justice, shared wellbeing, and the common good over political, ethnic, or religious interests.
As the nation prepares for the anti-corruption march in Kampala, the IRCU’s statement serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility in addressing corruption and other societal challenges. The council called upon the government to listen to the issues raised by young people and other constituencies, creating meaningful engagement avenues.
“We call upon Government to listen to the issues being raised by the young people as well as other constituencies, and create space and avenues for meaningful engagement,” the statement concluded, with a prayer for God’s wisdom and guidance.
The anti-corruption march is set to take place in Kampala City tomorrow, however, authorities including the president have warned those planning to take part in them.
