The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, has called on religious leaders to safeguard Uganda’s long-standing freedom of worship and the culture of tolerance that has shaped the country’s religious harmony.
He made the appeal while opening a three-day symposium attended by over 90 religious leaders from the Kigezi sub-region. The meeting, themed “The interface between religious leaders in strengthening national security,” is one of the events marking the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary being commemorated in Kigezi.
Oboth-Oboth noted that Uganda remains a model of religious coexistence, a reality he credited to President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership and constitutional guarantees for religious freedom.
“You will find Christians and Muslims together at public events without tension. This is something we must protect,” he said.
He encouraged communities to embrace respect and peaceful interaction, adding that greetings such as Salaam Alaikum, Shalom, or local cultural greetings are expressions of peace, not declarations of one’s faith.
“You don’t have to belong to a particular religion to respond to a greeting of peace,” he added.
The Minister reminded religious leaders of their influence in shaping values, resolving conflicts, and promoting unity.
“Every week you speak to congregations. You are trusted voices, and when you speak, people listen,” he told them.
During the same symposium, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry), Hon. David Bahati, emphasized that President Museveni has consistently upheld freedom of worship. He encouraged religious leaders to use Inter-Religious Council structures to promote harmony and to champion wealth creation within their communities.
Commitment to Veterans’ Welfare
Later, Oboth-Oboth met with military veterans attending a separate three-day symposium, where he thanked them for their service. He highlighted improvements in pensions, access to medical care, and recent amendments to the UPDF Act benefiting both serving and retired officers.
“Retirement is no longer something to fear,” he said, adding that government plans to establish a national day dedicated to veterans.
Honouring Kigezi’s Fallen Liberation Heroes
Earlier in the day in Kabale, the Minister led senior UPDF officers in laying a wreath at Kabale Stadium in memory of Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) fighters executed on 10 February 1973 during Idi Amin’s regime.
“Today we honour the brave sons of Kigezi who were executed at this site by Idi Amin’s dictatorship,” Oboth-Oboth said.
He noted that President Museveni has directed the UPDF to preserve the history of Uganda’s liberation struggle. The site is the burial place of Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi and Kangire Kagoro David.
Oboth-Oboth revealed that the UPDF is constructing a monument at the site, which the President is expected to unveil on 6 February during the Tarehe Sita celebrations.
“Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. This monument will remind us why they were killed and why we must protect the democracy we have today,” he said.
The wreath-laying marks the start of a series of activities tracing Kigezi’s role in Uganda’s liberation journey.
He was accompanied by the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs) Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, Maj Gen James Kinalwa, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, Brig Gen Johnson Niwamanya and other senior officers.
