The Prime Minister of Uganda Dr Ruhakana Rugunda warned religious leaders against engaging in political activity especially the ongoing controversial age limit debate.

Rugunda gave the remarks while speaking at a meeting of Kanungu District National Resistance Movement (NRM) party leaders held at Kanungu District Council Hall on Thursday.

According to Rugunda, religious leaders divide the people and also create confusion when they condemn those in support of lifting age limit. He urged them to concentrate on their calling of preaching the gospel of peace and love to their congregants.

“Religious leaders should do what they are called to do, and there we shall give them the respect that they deserve. They must however be careful not to wander into politics,” the Prime Minister said.

Ruganda’s remarks come after several religious leaders have ishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Bishop Reuben Kisembo Amooti of the Anglican diocese of Rwenzori, Bishop Dan Zoreka of Kinkiizi Diocese and Rev. Fr. Gaetano Batanyenda, the parish priest of Kitanga Catholic Church in Kabale diocese have come out openly to oppose the age limit bill.

The bill moved by Igara County West MP Raphael Magyezi, seeks among other things, to delete the upper age limit in article 102b of the constitution to allow President Museveni to stand for president beyond the age of 75.