Kampala, Uganda: Church of Uganda Archbishop, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has called for national unity, peaceful political transitions, and urgent action on youth drug abuse as Uganda moves toward the 2026 general elections.
Speaking during the 140th Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations at the Namugongo Anglican Shrine, Archbishop Kaziimba urged citizens to reject violence, participate in the electoral process, and remain stewards of national peace.
“As we draw near to transitions in different political administrative offices at all levels, I call upon all Ugandans to keep peace for yourself and others,” Kaziimba said. “Register and vote. I call each one of us to resist the politics of violence but to respect each other as God’s people.”
The Anglican Archbishop appealed to the country’s security organs to remain vigilant in protecting lives and property and called on all stakeholders to act as custodians of God’s creation.
He also used the platform to raise alarm over “an alarming rise in drug and substance abuse among our young people,” saying the crisis is destabilizing families and fueling crime.
“The rampant use of marijuana, alcohol, opioids, tobacco, and other substances is destroying lives and worsening mental health,” he noted, calling on families, schools, churches, and government to take decisive action.
Appeal for Church Land, Martyrs Museum
The Archbishop further decried increased threats to Church property from land grabbers and revealed that compensation for Church land at Makerere remains incomplete. “Church land has come under increasing threat. We still have a balance of Shs21 billion in unpaid compensation for Church land at Makerere,” he disclosed.
Kaziimba appealed to the government to expedite compensation and also called for UGX 14.87 billion to complete the second phase of the Uganda Martyrs Museum project, citing its significance for preserving Christian heritage and promoting faith-based tourism.
“This is not just a celebration—it is a mission. A mission to call people to repentance, to faith, and to a renewed commitment to Christ as Lord and Savior,” he said.
At the same function, former Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, who delivered the main sermon, spoke with concern about Uganda’s moral and social decline. “Sometimes when you see what’s happening today, people treating each other as things, and spilling blood without remorse, the conscience of the nation is going,” Orombi told the thousands in attendance.
Museveni urges Separation of Religion from Politics
President Yoweri Museveni, accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni, attended the event and reiterated his long-standing position on separating religion from politics.
“Our constant call to Ugandans is that never mix politics with denominational loyalties,” Mr Museveni said, drawing a firm line between spiritual devotion and political participation.
The President did not mention the thwarted suicide bombing incident that occurred earlier that morning in Munyonyo, where security forces intercepted a female ADF-linked bomber headed for a religious target.
Uganda is set to hold general elections in early 2026. President Museveni, who has ruled since 1986, is widely expected to seek another term. Pop star-turned-opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, is seen as his main challenger.
The 2026 Martyrs’ Day celebrations at the Namugongo Anglican site will be led by Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono.
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