The Tooro Elders Forum (Isaazi ly’Abantu Bakuru ba Tooro) has called for calm, peace, and transparency before, during, and after Uganda’s 2026 general elections. The elders say political stability remains a cornerstone for the region’s development and unity.
Speaking to journalists at Tooro Fairway Hotel in Fort Portal City on Thursday while unveiling the theme for the 2025 Tooro Peoples Conference, Prof. Edward B. Rugumayo, Chairperson of the Tooro Elders Forum, emphasized that the forum advocates for peaceful conduct from all stakeholders, including candidates, the Electoral Commission, security agencies, supporters, and the general public.
Prof. Rugumayo urged political actors to respect the law, observe electoral guidelines, and maintain calm throughout the campaign period, noting that stability is essential for safeguarding Tooro’s socio-economic progress.
Fr. Pascal Kabura, a member of the Forum, observed that the current campaign season has so far been more peaceful than previous electoral cycles and encouraged all stakeholders to sustain the trend, saying it is a strong sign that Uganda is capable of holding truly peaceful elections.
“This is a manifestation that Uganda can achieve peaceful elections. We encourage citizens to remain hopeful and committed to non-violence,” Fr. Kabura noted.
This year’s Tooro Peoples Conference (TPC), scheduled for December 22–23 at St. Paul’s National Major Seminary – Kinyamasika in Fort Portal City, will run under the theme: “Harnessing Tooro Culture and Promoting Tourism for Economic Development and Political Stability.”
According to the Tooro Elders Forum, the region is endowed with immense cultural heritage and breathtaking natural resources, yet it still faces challenges, including political tensions, poverty, and limited economic opportunities. Prof. Rugumayo said the conference aims to explore ways of using Tooro’s cultural identity and tourism resources to drive economic transformation, strengthen social cohesion, and promote long-term political stability.
Monsignor Isaiah Mayombo, Vicar General of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese and member of the Elders Forum, noted that although Tooro is home to some of Uganda’s most significant tourist attractions, the sector still faces critical gaps. He highlighted the need for improved road infrastructure, particularly routes leading to national parks and cultural sites, and called for the revival of air transport to ease tourist mobility within the region.
Monsignor Mayombo also proposed increased international marketing, reduced taxes for tourism-related businesses, and strengthened security to enhance the region’s competitiveness.
Some of Tooro’s key tourist attractions include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, Semuliki National Park, Tooro Kingdom Palace, Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru, crater lakes, and the Semuliki Hot Springs. The Tooro Peoples Conference was established in 2016 to foster unity across Tooro’s diverse communities, bridging differences in geography, religion, ethnicity, profession, and economic background.
The conference, a brainchild of the Tooro Elders Forum, brings together leaders, scholars, cultural institutions, and the public to discuss development priorities and chart a collective vision for the region. Ahead of the 2021 general elections, TPC organizers published a civic education book titled “Minzani” to guide voters on electoral processes and the importance of informed voting.
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