President Yoweri Museveni has strongly criticized individuals promoting sectarianism based on religion and tribe in Kisoro District, labeling them as enemies of Uganda.
The president made this statement on Tuesday afternoon while campaigning for Rose Kabagyeni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party candidate for the Kisoro District Woman Parliamentary seat.
The issue of sectarianism arose following remarks from Jacqueline Kyatuheire, NRM Deputy National Treasurer, and Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, NRM Vice Chairperson for the Western Region and Minister of Information and National Guidance.
Both highlighted the presence of religious tensions impacting the campaigns.
President Museveni condemned sectarianism, reminding the public of its harmful effects on Uganda’s progress between 1966 and 1986.
He also cited the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo as examples of sectarianism’s devastating consequences.
The religious tensions in Kisoro, especially between Catholics and Protestants, have reportedly been exploited to influence voters. The upcoming by-election, scheduled for September 14, follows the passing of former MP and State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, on September 7, 2024.
President Museveni lays a wreath on the grave containing the remains of former minister Sarah Mateke in Kisoro on Tuesday. PPU photo
