Fort Portal, Uganda: The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) wing in Tooro Region has banned political campaigns in churches, mosques, and other places of worship, warning that sacred spaces must not be used for political gain in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.
Announcing the directive during an executive meeting held in Fort Portal City on May 15, Rev. Reuben Kisembo Amooti, the IRCU regional chairperson and Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, said worship spaces should remain neutral grounds dedicated to spiritual nourishment, not political division.
“Places of worship must remain sanctuaries for spiritual nourishment, not political rallies,” Rev. Kisembo declared. “We cannot allow our pulpits and prayer mats to become platforms for division. Faith spaces are for fellowship, not factionalism.”
Under the new guidelines, political aspirants may only be introduced and prayed for by religious leaders but are strictly barred from campaigning within religious premises.
The council passed ten resolutions in total, aimed at promoting peaceful, ethical, and inclusive participation in the 2026 elections. Among them was a strong call on the government to guarantee a level playing field for all candidates, and a condemnation of harassment, intimidation, and abductions allegedly targeting opposition voices.
“Masked operatives terrorising citizens erode public confidence. Security must protect, not persecute,” Bishop Kisembo said, referencing growing concerns about human rights violations committed by security agents using unmarked vehicles.
The IRCU also urged the Electoral Commission to operate transparently to restore public trust and minimise post-election disputes. “Trust in democracy begins with accountability,” the Bishop added.
The council further warned voters against accepting bribes and condemned candidates who use money to buy support. “Leadership is a sacred duty, not a transaction,” Rev. Kisembo said. “We must choose leaders based on merit, vision, and integrity.”
The IRCU also placed limits on political messaging at burials, allowing only three family members to speak once formal funeral services begin. “Grief must not be exploited for gain,” the Bishop stressed.
In a bid to keep religious focus intact during this politically charged period, the council suspended all non-emergency religious fundraising activities until after the election season.
Christian faithful welcome the resolutions
Ms. Doreen Atugonza of the West Rwenzori Diocese in Bundibugyo said the ban is a blessing for the Christian community. “Places of worship are meant to unite us in prayer and reflection, not divide us with partisan agendas,” she said.
Another faithful, Mr. Joseph Mumbere, a Seventh-day Adventist from Bundibugyo, added: “The IRCU’s bold move is a step toward preserving the holiness of these spaces.”
Fort Portal City Mayor Rev. Willy Muhanga Kintu backed the move and urged fellow politicians to respect the directive. “I support the ban and ask my fellow politicians to respect it. However, we urge religious leaders not to stop at banning campaigns in places of worship but also to pray for a peaceful election season.”
However, some political voices called on the clergy to go even further in holding the state accountable. Geoffrey Bwambale, a National Unity Platform (NUP) parliamentary aspirant for Bughendera County in Bundibugyo District, urged the clergy to denounce abductions and violence against opposition members.
“Religious leaders must speak out loudly against these acts of intimidation and abduction. Silence in the face of injustice only emboldens those who seek to undermine democracy,” he said.
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