Anglican Church of Uganda Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe on Saturday urged security forces to exercise restraint and professionalism as the country heads into tense elections early next year, warning that heavy-handed tactics could deepen fear among civilians.
Speaking during his Christmas message at a press conference at Emmanuel Cathedral in Rukungiri Municipality, the North Kigezi Diocese bishop appealed to armed personnel to avoid the use of excessive force, while also cautioning young people against actions that could provoke violent responses.
‘I honestly appeal to our dedicated armed forces security forces, the personnel who handle guns and other weapons, to maintain utmost professionalism by avoiding the use of excessive force when dealing with unarmed civilians,’ Bishop Asiimwe said.
‘I argue our civilians particularly the young people to refrain from provocative actions that could trigger responses from security forces. Use power well that if someone looks at a soldier or police officer, they know that they are in safe hands,’ he added.
Bishop Asiimwe said political tensions were rising ahead of the January 15 General Election and urged all actors to respect constitutional rights to preserve national cohesion.
‘As we draw closer to the year 2026 and the upcoming elections, I appeal to all Ugandans to stay united regardless of difference in political views and affiliations,’ he said.
‘Every Ugandan has a constitutional right to freely choose and vote for the leader they believe in. Let’s exercise that right responsibly while preserving the bounds of family, friendship and national unity,’ he remarked.
The bishop also called for prayers for people in detention, including opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, who has spent more than a year in prison without bail or trial.
‘As we cerebrate we are mindful of the people who are confined. like those in prison, in hospitals and they have no hope of joining their families,’ Bishop Asiimwe said.
‘Dr Kizza Besigye, I have personally visited him in Luzira upper maximum prison twice, we had time with him, we talked, let them have hope that one day they will receive fair justice, that they will get out of prison and reunite with their families.’
Turning to the meaning of Christmas, Bishop Asiimwe urged Christians to focus on faith rather than festivities, saying political leadership was temporary.
‘Leadership of this world come and go. leaders of this world come and go but the leadership of Jesus has no end,’ he said.
Religious leaders across Uganda have increasingly called for peaceful conduct ahead of the polls, amid recent clashes between security forces and opposition actors in different parts of the country. Uganda is set to elect a president and parliament on January 15, 2026.