The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, has urged religious leaders to uphold Uganda’s long-standing freedom of worship and the spirit of tolerance that has defined the nation’s religious landscape.
He made the remarks while opening a three-day symposium for more than 90 religious leaders from the Kigezi sub-region, convened under the theme “The interface between religious leaders in strengthening national security.”
The symposium is part of the activities marking the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary, which is being commemorated in the Kigezi sub-region.
Hon. Oboth said Uganda continues to stand out for its ability to bring together believers from different faiths, which he attributed to President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership and the constitutional protection of religious freedom.
“You will find Christians and Muslims attending the same public event without tension. We must protect this.”
The Minister encouraged communities to embrace respect and understanding, noting that cultural and religious greetings such as Salaam Alaikum, Shalom, or local greetings carry messages of peace and should not be sources of division.
“You don’t have to belong to a particular faith to respond to a greeting of peace,” he said. “A greeting is not a declaration of belief.”
He reminded religious leaders that they are trusted voices who shape national values, resolve community disputes, and strengthen social cohesion.
“Every week, religious leaders address congregations. You are a trusted source of information. When you speak, people listen,” he said.
During the symposium, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (Industry), Hon. David Bahati, reminded religious leaders that President Museveni has consistently guaranteed freedom of worship. He encouraged them to utilise Inter-Religious Council platforms to promote harmony and nurture a culture of wealth creation within their congregations.
Commitment to Veterans Welfare
In a related engagement, Hon. Oboth met veterans attending a three-day symposium and appreciated their invaluable service.
He highlighted improvements in pensions, access to health care, and recent amendments to the UPDF Act, which now cater for both active and retired personnel.
“People are no longer afraid of retiring,” he said, adding that plans are underway to introduce a national day dedicated to veterans.
Honouring Kigezi’s Fallen Liberation Fighters
Earlier in the day, the Minister led Generals and Officers in laying a wreath at Kabale Stadium in Kabale, in memory of the Front for National Salvation activists who were executed at the site on 10 February 1973 during the Idi Amin regime.
“Today we are here to lay a wreath in memory of our gallant sons of Kigezi who were summarily executed at this point by the dictator regime of Idi Amin,” Hon. Oboth said.
He explained that President Museveni has consistently guided the UPDF to document and preserve the history of those who contributed to Uganda’s liberation struggle.
The site contains the remains of Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi, and Kangire Kagoro David, all of whom were executed and buried there.
Hon. Oboth said the UPDF, under the strategic direction of the Commander-in-Chief, is constructing a monument at the site to honour the fallen and ensure their sacrifice is remembered.
“Their death will not be in vain. This monument will remind us why they were killed by a bad regime and why we must protect the democracy we enjoy today,” he said.
He added that President Museveni is expected to unveil the completed monument on 6 February during Tarehe Sita celebrations.
The wreath-laying marked the start of a series of activities that will trace the history of liberation efforts in Kigezi and commemorate the region’s contribution to Uganda’s struggle for freedom.
Oboth-Oboth was accompanied by the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs), Hon. Huda Abason Oleru; Joint Staff Human Resource Management, Maj Gen James Kinalwa; Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko; and Brig Gen Johnson Niwamanya, among others.