Leaders of different religious denominations in Kyenjojo district have been called upon to champion peace harmony, unity, and reconciliation in preparation of the 2025/2026 election season.

This was in an engagement session between the Rwenzori Forum for Peace and Justice (RFPJ), District Leadership, together with leaders from the Protestant, Catholic, Pentecostal churches, and from the Muslim Community, under the theme “ACCELERATING WOMEN’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO PRE 2025/2026 ELECTORAL CONFLICT PREVENTION IN RWENZORI REGION”

Rev. Joseline Twooli at the opening of the Women for Peaceful Elections Engagement

While opening the session, Rev. Joseline Twooli, called upon the leaders to promote inter-faith dialogue, promote tolerance, and preach living peacefully to all the parties involved in the electoral processes. She also emphasized the need for religious leaders to be accountable to everyone, not just followers of their faith, need to speak against violence in elections, condemn fear in people’s lives, emphasize need for voter education, and encourage critical thinking of the players in politics. She emphasized that religious leaders play a great role in reconciling political players after elections, for a peaceful and harmonious society.

She also called upon the electorate, and other leaders, to foster community engagements, and cohesion by involving ourselves in community based initiatives that create togetherness and coexistence.

The Returning Officer Kyenjojo, Mr. Mugenyi James in his remarks, encouraged leaders to create time for conflict resolution, dialogue, monitor and report violence and electoral malpractices, foster unity and respect between denominations, advocate for fair and transparent elections and promotion of post-election reconciliation. He encouraged the faith leaders to play their roles of guidance well, and promised the elections will be peaceful, free and fair as long as he still is in charge of Kyenjojo.

The RDC, Ms Julian Sarah Ayesiga and the Speaker Toro Kingdom, Rt. Hon Mwirumubi Julius Kihika in attendance

The RDC Kyenjojo, Ms Julian Sarah Ayesiga, called upon leaders to preach the message of unity and equality in places of worship, everyone to avoid domestic violence in elections, and called upon women to be submissive to their husbands, just like the Bible commands us to do.