KAMPALA — Religious and community leaders have commended President Yoweri Museveni and the government for the peace and stability they say Uganda enjoys, while urging citizens to protect peace through dialogue, unity and peaceful coexistence.
The leaders were speaking on Monday during celebrations to mark the International Day of Peace at the Nile Humanitarian Development Agency (NHDA) in Muyenga, Kampala, under the theme “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
Hajji Issa Kirarira, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nile Humanitarian Development Agency, said peace is the foundation for development, noting that communities cannot thrive without security and stability.
“Without peace, there is no church, no mosque, no school, no money and no business,” Kirarira said.
He thanked President Museveni for what he described as the gift of peace in Uganda, saying the prevailing stability allows Ugandans to move freely, conduct business and worship without fear.
“Because of his leadership for peace, we walk at night freely. We move freely. Business moves on. Our churches and mosques worship in peace,” he said.
Kirarira urged Ugandans to embrace differences in religion and background, saying diversity should bring communities together rather than divide them.
“Let us build bridges, not walls,” he said, calling on people to open their hearts to neighbours and people of different faiths.
Sheikh Ali Kaddugala of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda also thanked the government for the peace and tranquillity he said Uganda currently enjoys.
“As I conclude, let me take this opportunity to thank the government for the peace and tranquillity we enjoy now,” Sheikh Kaddugala said.
He said Uganda had experienced difficult periods in the past but noted that there is now “some kind of calm, peace and tranquillity,” urging citizens to appreciate and preserve it.
Sheikh Kaddugala also emphasised that peace must begin at the family level, urging families to provide basic necessities such as food, shelter and healthcare.
“Peace begins at home,” he said.
He further called for dialogue among people of different religious, political and social backgrounds, saying differences should not become a source of violence or division.
Kaitare Ben David Kamugisha, LC1 Chairperson of Ministers Village in Muyenga-Kisugu Parish, said peace is the foundation upon which families, communities and nations build development, justice and human dignity.
He urged young people to reject violence, crime, drug abuse, hate speech and other forms of division, and instead embrace education, innovation, volunteerism and community service.
Kamugisha also commended NHDA for its work in humanitarian services, education, health and peace-building initiatives.
Kitayimbwa John, founder and chairman of the Mukono Patriotic Elders, said peace must begin within families and communities, urging citizens to work together to build a peaceful Uganda.
He also called on NHDA to continue supporting vulnerable communities through education, healthcare, safe water and food assistance.
George Olinga, representing the Bahá’í Faith, said unity is essential to achieving lasting peace.
He said people should embrace their diversity while working together toward common goals and peaceful communities.
The leaders called on religious institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations and young people to make peace-building a daily responsibility rather than something remembered only during international commemorations.
The International Day of Peace is observed annually on September 21 to promote peace and strengthen the ideals of peace among nations and peoples.
