By Jumah Kakomo
The inter-religious council of Uganda (IRCU) has called upon the government to listen to the issues being raised by the young people as well as other constituencies, and create space and avenues for meaningful engagement.
This appeal comes after a series of protests and demonstrations by young people in Uganda, who are demanding action on various issues affecting them including corruption.
The IRCU, which represents various religious groups in Uganda, has expressed concern over the government’s handling of the protests. While acknowledging the government’s efforts to engage with the youth, the IRCU believes that more needs to be done to address their concerns.
Addressing the media on Monday, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu Archbishop, province of the church of Uganda also chairperson, council of presidents at IRCU urged the government to listen to the issues being raised by the young people and other constituencies,” It is important for the government to create a conducive environment for constructive dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders.” said the Archbishop in a statement.
Kaziimba also emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying issues driving the protests. “We must address the root causes of these protests, including unemployment, poverty, and inequality. “We cannot afford to ignore the concerns of our young people, who are the future of our country.” Kaziimba said.
The IRCU’s appeal comes as the government has faced criticism for its handling of the protests, with some accusing it of using heavy-handed tactics to suppress dissent. However, the government has maintained that it is committed to engaging with the youth and addressing their concerns.
The IRCU’s appeal is seen as a call for calm and constructive dialogue between the government and the youth. By listening to each other’s concerns and working together, both parties can find solutions to the issues affecting young people in Uganda.
Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, Archbishop of Orthodox church also a member of the council of presidents at IRCU says history and experience as a country are proof to the fact that certain constituencies in the nation might feel left out in critical decision making processes that shape the face and fabric of this nation. Therefore, in keeping with their rights as citizens, the affected constituencies can express their dissatisfaction using lawful means and seek ways of re-engaging with nation building processes and frameworks.
The deputy Mufti of Uganda, also a member of the council of presidents at IRCU Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa highlights that in 2016, they presented to the nation the need for a national dialogue. They consulted with the citizens in all the regions of the country, themes and the framework for its implementation were developed and agreed upon.
“Our conviction in this regard hasn’t changed. Our aim in proposing the dialogue was to enable Ugandans in their diversity to engage with issues that were considered a bottleneck to the stability, unity and prosperity of the nation. This is one sure way of holding the nation together and to get it on the path of a more promising future. We still stand by this conviction.”Waiswa stated.
