Led by the Chairperson of the IRCU Council of Presidents, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the religious leaders told journalists on Thursday that if those arrested committed crimes, they should be presented to the courts of law as the law stipulates.
The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has called for the
immediate release of presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi.
Led by the Chairperson of the IRCU Council of Presidents, Sheikh Shaban
Ramadhan Mubaje, the religious leaders told journalists on Thursday that if
those arrested committed crimes, they should be presented to the courts of law
as the law stipulates.
They also want the leadership of the country and the various security agencies
to be open to dialogue with the different political players as a means of
solving conflict.
The statement comes a day after the arrest of National Unity Platform's (NUP)
presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu in Luuka district.
Forum for Democratic Change's (FDC) party candidate Patrick Amuriat was also
arrested in Gulu on Wednesday and later released while Presidential Candidate
Gen. Henry Tumukunde has also tested the wrath of security operatives who have
in the past few days blocked several of his campaign meetings and he has since
threatened to withdraw from the race.
Kyagulanyi’s arrest has since sparked off protests in different parts the
country where hundreds took to the streets demanding for his release. The riots
today entered the second day and several people have been reported dead while
others sustained injuries.
“It is only 9 days since the commencement of the national election campaigns.
In this short period, we have noted with concern increasing cases of violence
across the country that threaten to undermine the integrity and fairness of our
elections,” said Sheikh Mubaje.
He said that different violent acts are leading to increased frustration, fear
and anxiety within the population.
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Mubaje appealed to candidates who are vying for the various political offices
to take personal responsibility to guide the population on their safety with
relevant information so that they can make informed choices in a safe
environment.
The Most Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda
described the events of Wednesday and Thursday as shocking saying that all
Ugandans remain equal even when they support different political parties.
Luganda
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The Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga also called for
respect and equal adherence to the set guidelines for Covid-19. He also said
that the security officers should execute the mandate well.
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The presiding Apostle of the Born Again Faith in Uganda Dr Joseph
Serwadda called for actions that honour the rights and dignity of all Ugandans
irrespective of their political affiliations.
He blamed the army for breaching Article 2019 of the Constitution that states
that the army will cooperate with civilian authority in emergencies and cases
of a natural disaster like Covid-19.
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The religious leaders also reminded the Electoral Commission (EC) of Article 61
of the Constitution which mandates the electoral body to ensure free and fair
elections.
“As religious leaders, we expect the EC to take charge of the electoral process
including security arrangements of all political candidates and ensure an enabling
environment for all stakeholders irrespective of their party affiliation,”
reads the statement by IRCU.
