After President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni urged the people of the Kigezi region to avoid identity politics and sectarianism recently reported as divisive and harmful, the Bishop of Kabale Diocese has begun implementing initiatives to support this directive.
Museveni, who also serves as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Chairperson, addressed this issue in Kisoro District during the final campaign rally for Ms. Rose Kabagyeni, the NRM flag bearer in the by-election to replace the late Sarah Mateeke Nyirabashitsi, who passed away in September.
Museveni noted that he had discussed the matter with Rt. Rev. Godfrey Mbitse, Bishop of Muhabura Diocese; Rt. Rev. Callistus Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese; and Dr. Philemon Mateeke, Kisoro District NRM Chairperson. “I have asked Bishop Mbitse, Bishop Callist, and Dr. Mateeke not to allow identity politics in Kisoro because it is poison,” he said.
Museveni further reflected on how previous governments allowed identity politics to destabilize the country from around 1966 to 1986, leading to their eventual downfall: “Politics of identity is one of the key factors that led to the collapse of the previous governments.
They allowed the problem to tear the country apart from around 1966 to 1986, when we came to power.”
On Sunday, November 17, 2024, it was noteworthy to see leaders from the Kabale District Muslim Council, Anglican leaders, and other church leaders from various regions attending the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) event at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral for Kabale district parishes.
The Mass was presided over by Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese.
The Muslim delegation, led by Kabale District Muslim Council Chairperson Hajj Isa Tindyebwa, included Hajj Badru Biryomumaisho, Hajj Yusuf Karigongo, Hon. Sheikh Kassim Kamugisha, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Wakiso District also a hopeful Member of Parliament for Kabale Municipality, and Can. Enock Kazooba from the Anglican Church, along with other church leaders.
Hajj Isa Tindyebwa expressed appreciation for the invitation from Bishop Rubaramira, calling it a gesture of unity that sets a positive example for the diocese and the Muslim community. He noted that Kigezi region, and Uganda as a whole, face a serious issue of religious-based sectarianism, with some leaders seeking authority primarily to represent their own religion and secure votes based on religious affiliation.
He further warned that if sectarianism takes hold in Kabale District or Kabale Municipality, it will affect everyone, regardless of religion, pointing out that poverty, like any challenge, does not discriminate and will impact all people if not addressed collectively.
Hajj Isa urged candidates in the upcoming elections to focus on merit rather than religion or sectarianism, emphasizing that these should not be factors in choosing leaders who will serve the community.
He called for unity among religious leaders, asserting that a united front will prevent political divisions from weakening both their leadership and the community. He added that identity-based politics and sectarianism are undermining Uganda’s progress, saying that if Ugandans set aside their differences, they could achieve much more together. “Religion should be a force for good, not a source of division,” he emphasized.
Hajj Isa warned that religious bias has already infiltrated district service commissions across the country, threatening national development by allowing bias in hiring based on religious affiliation.
He called on the government to ensure that district service commissions are balanced and focused on merit to prevent identity-based bias. Praising Bishop Rubaramira for his leadership, he noted that the bishop’s focus on development and service delivery, rather than religious affiliation, reflects true merit.
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While attending the event as the guest of honor, Hon. David Bahati, Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, as well as Ndorwa West MP and Kabale District NRM Chairperson, urged Christians to reject sectarianism and division driven by religious differences. Minister Bahati emphasized the importance of unity among Christians, particularly in politics. He encouraged them to actively participate in shaping their communities, stressing that politics of identity should be avoided.
“Christians should focus on who can offer the best solutions for our country, rather than basing their decisions on religion or sectarianism,” Hon. Bahati said. He also highlighted the importance of separating religion from politics, drawing parallels with traders in the market who prioritize getting the best price for their goods, regardless of the seller’s faith or ethnicity.
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Minister Bahati also encouraged Christians to take advantage of government initiatives aimed at improving household incomes and livelihoods. He emphasized that programs such as the Presidential Initiative on Job and Wealth Creation, Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM) offer opportunities for economic upliftment. The PDM, in particular, is designed to support the 68% of Uganda’s population still engaged in subsistence farming by encouraging income-generating activities.
The event also aimed to raise funds for completing a commercial building in Kabale Town, located on Plot 10, Kabale-Mbarara Road. A total of 292 million Ugandan shillings was raised, with Minister Bahati contributing 10 million shillings. Through his connections, he raised an additional 40 million shillings, bringing his total contribution to 50 million shillings for the cause.
