Political actors in Uganda have been warned against irresponsible politicking that might result in violence as the country limbers up for the 2021 general poll.
Commissioning Taufiiq Mosque at Western Cell in Central Division, Masindi Municipality, Sheikh Ali Juma Shewuyo, the Imam of Gaddafi Mosque in Kampala, urged both candidates and their supporters to exhibit a high level of civility during their political activity to avoid crashing the country into political turmoil.
The clergy said lack of self and other people’s esteem leaves a vacuum of the much desired peace, thus, plunging the country into loss of lives and retarding holistic development.
He advised politicians to avoid divisive politics that often times results in bloodshed stressing that people need one another irrespective of their political discrepancies.
“Our honoured presidents, MPs, councillors and others have been nominated and we are now heading into campaigns. But my message as an Imam is urging you to engage in peaceful election, full of love, without fighting and clashing. If you are supporting your candidate, use peaceful means to woo others, don’t be violent and you should also follow the guidelines set by the electoral commission as we prepare to cast our votes,” he said.
Sheikh Shewuyo advised contestants to engage in mature, free and fair politics, concede defeat, and avoid petitions and protests against genuine results to create room for co-existence and a stable country.
The cleric reminded politicians of the crucial need to learn to tolerate one another while drumming up for support in different parts of the country.
“I request you to observe peace in this election. We should accept any candidate who will be declared winner; and if one loses, they should also concede defeat. This is because all of us cannot be leaders neither can all of us fail. There will be winners. We should know that leadership comes from God. When He decides, nobody can contest it. It is important to ensure that we keep peace in this poll, without clashes and insults. Let’s campaign peacefully so that our country enjoys peace,” Sheikh Shewuyo added.
Speaking at the same function that was also attended by the Masindi District Kadhi, Sheikh Yahya Safian Mugisa, the Masindi Resident District Commissioner, Longino Baheebwa, called for unity between Moslems and the government to propel development among the Muslim community.
The new mosque in Masindi town cost Shs100m with funding from Precious Hands – a Muslim Non-Governmental Organisation partnering with the Muslim community in Masindi municipality.
The plot of land on which the mosque was built was donated by Hajj Abdul Noor Byaruhanga, the coordinator of Precious Hands for Buliisa, Masindi and Kiryandongo districts.
