Religious leaders across the Teso Sub-region have urged the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) to dedicate a full week of nationwide inter-faith devotion and prayers for peace and unity ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
The appeal was made by His Eminence Sheikh Obilan Abubakar Umar, the Regional Assistant to the Mufti in charge North Eastern Muslim region (Teso–Karamoja Region), during a Regional Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Elections and Human Rights held on Wednesday at Sparrow Hotel, Soroti City.
The dialogue was organized by the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) and brought together representatives from the Electoral Commission, security agencies, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), political parties, the media, and civil society organizations.
On his speech, Sheikh Obilan emphasized the need for collective spiritual intervention to invoke God’s guidance and protection for peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections in Uganda.
Citing the Holy Qur’an 5:48, he reminded participants that diversity is divinely ordained and urged all election stakeholders to play their roles professionally while respecting differences in political and religious beliefs.
“In a multiparty dispensation, all parties have equal rights to contest, to canvass for support, and to vote for their preferred candidates. If we want peaceful elections, we must respect one another and appreciate that Ugandans have a constitutional right to belong to any duly registered political party,” Sheikh Obilan said.
He further reminded leaders that positions of authority are a divine test of integrity and responsibility.
“Those in power must remember that God tests people in both achievements and failures. Let us exercise mercy and love for one another so that we consolidate the peace and stability we have as a country,” he added.
The Sheikh also raised concern over persistent voter apathy in past elections, attributing it largely to inadequate civic education and poor voter mobilization by the Electoral Commission.
He noted that religious institutions, which collectively reach an estimated 20 million faithful every week, have a unique capacity to influence positive participation.
“There is no other institution that can address such large gatherings regularly. The Electoral Commission should leverage religious leaders to sensitize the public on peaceful elections and encourage mass voter turnout,” Sheikh Obilan advised.
The Regional Mufti called on the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda to spearhead a nationwide week of inter-faith prayers for Uganda’s peace before, during, and after the elections.
He suggested that these joint prayers be decentralized at regional levels to ensure wider participation and effectiveness.
“Let us dedicate our country to God through joint inter-faith prayers in every region. This spiritual unity will strengthen our national resolve for peace and harmony,” Sheikh Obilan concluded.
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