Religious leaders unite for peace ahead of Uganda’s 2026 polls

Gulu City | The Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI) has launched a major regional peacebuilding project ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.

The initiative, unveiled last week in Gulu City, seeks to transform areas historically affected by conflict into hubs of peace and reconciliation.

The eight-year initiative will span Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on conflict-prone communities. It aims to counter harmful ideologies, foster trust among divided groups, and promote inclusive peace through interfaith collaboration and dialogue.

Sheikh Musa Khalil, deputy Mufti for Northern Uganda and ARLPI vice chairperson, emphasized the need for a peaceful electoral process.

“Today we launch this peace project ahead of the 2026 General Elections. We appeal to all political actors not to sound the bells of violence, but instead, ring bells of peace,” Sheikh Khalil said. “There should be no ‘Plan B’ involving violence.”

He pointed to ongoing challenges in the region, including land disputes, cattle rustling, domestic violence, and the impact of the Balaalo (nomadic herders), urging peaceful solutions through dialogue and civic education.

Sheikh Khalil also highlighted the mental health crisis in the north, exacerbated by war trauma and rising drug abuse among youth. He called on the government to revive and enforce colonial-era regulations on substance use and to support local leadership, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), and security agencies in advancing the peace agenda.

“Mental illness is in nearly every household due to war impacts and drug abuse. We must act,” he said.

The peace project includes civic education, promotion of democratic values, and fostering tolerance to safeguard electoral integrity and prevent violence. The initiative also recognizes Uganda’s efforts in hosting over two million refugees and encourages stakeholders to maintain that legacy of peace.

“We’ve come a long way. Acholi leaders, civil society, and faith groups have stood together. Let us protect the peace we enjoy today and ensure it holds through 2026,” Sheikh Khalil said.

Rwot Yusuf Adek, chief of the Patiko clan, expressed concern about the cultural and environmental destruction caused by past conflicts in Northern Uganda.

“War erodes not just life, but culture. Children no longer respect elders. We are losing what it means to be Acholi,” Rwot Adek lamented.

He warned about the dangers of foreign interference in global conflicts and even speculated about the possibility of a third world war, stating such conflicts often stem from the interests of global powers.

“Some countries manufacture weapons with the intent to destabilize others. We must reject these influences and embrace peace.”

Aswa West Police PRO ASP David Ongom Mudong urged the public to remain calm and vigilant.

“We are already increasing deployments across the region. Minor incidents have occurred, but they are manageable,” he said. “Anyone found inciting violence will be dealt with according to the law.”

Mudong appealed to political actors to avoid divisive rhetoric and focus on peaceful campaigns.

“Politics is seasonal. We must not let it divide us. We all deserve equal treatment under the law.”

Lt. Col. Moses B. Kaggwa, Commander of the 204th Brigade under the 4th Division of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), reiterated the army’s commitment to safeguarding peace.

“Our mandate is to protect lives and property. We are ready to implement Presidential Directive No. 3 to address insecurity caused by land conflicts, poverty, cattle rustling, and Balaalo movements,” he said.

The launch concluded with a renewed commitment from religious, traditional, political, and security leaders to work collaboratively in preventing electoral violence and transforming post-conflict regions into models of unity and stability.