Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of the Kampala Archdiocese has called on Ugandans—especially political leaders—to embrace unity, service, and peace as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.
Delivering his speech to thousands of pilgrims during the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine, Archbishop Ssemogerere emphasized the urgent need for a political culture rooted in service rather than power, and dialogue instead of division.
“Our democracy must heal, not harm; it must unite, not divide,” he said. “We must listen, not silence.”
The Archbishop urged the faithful and the nation at large to reject hatred, tribalism, and all forms of divisive rhetoric that threaten Uganda’s social fabric.
“Let us reject hatred, division, and violence, and say no to unjust tribalism and offensive language. We are all children of God,” he stated.
Ssemogerere’s message comes at a critical time as political parties begin to organize ahead of the next electoral cycle. He reminded leaders that building a nation requires a spirit of unity, not enmity born of political competition.
Meanwhile, President Yoweri Museveni, the Guest of Honour at the Anglican Shrine in Namugongo, also addressed the issue of national unity in his speech. He warned against the dangers of tribalism and sectarianism in economic development.
“Some people spend a lot of time talking about tribes and denominational differences, but our question is this—will those groups be able to absorb all the products that we, the wealth creators, produce?” the President asked.
He argued that Uganda’s national market holds more promise for inclusive prosperity than fragmented, identity-based markets. “History and common sense show us that tribal and sectarian markets are not big enough to guarantee our prosperity. The national market of Uganda will do it better,” Museveni said.
Uganda Martyrs Day, observed annually on June 3, commemorates the 45 Catholic and Anglican converts who were executed for their faith between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II. It continues to draw millions of pilgrims from across the region, serving as a powerful moment of reflection on faith, unity, and national identity.
