Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has warned Ugandans against engaging in political violence as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections, saying the trend is eroding democratic values and undermining civilisation.
In his Christmas and New Year message, read on his behalf by Buganda’s minister for information, Israel Kitooke, at Bulange in Mengo, the Kabaka expressed deep concern over the growing incidents of violence linked to political competition.
“We urge our people to refrain from political violence. We have already seen where some lives have been lost, others brutalised, arrested, and even kidnapped, leading to permanent disappearances. I therefore call for calm as we prepare ourselves for the next election,” Kabaka said.
The Buganda monarch said it was unfortunate that in what should be a free and fair electoral environment, some candidates are blocked from reaching their supporters. He said such actions amount to continued abuse of political rights and threaten public confidence in the electoral process.
He called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to take decisive action to restore trust in Uganda’s elections, noting that confidence in the referee is critical to peaceful political competition.
Looking ahead to the 2026 polls, Kabaka Mutebi urged Ugandans to participate in a peaceful, free, and fair election. However, he cautioned against the continued commercialisation of politics, warning that excessive monetisation risks turning leadership contests into business ventures rather than platforms for addressing national challenges.
He said politics driven by money often sidelines competent leaders and prioritises individuals seeking to advance personal commercial interests at the expense of national priorities such as healthcare, peace and security, regional diplomacy, youth employment, and modernisation of agriculture.
On climate change, the Kabaka expressed concern over prolonged dry spells that have destroyed plantations across the country, leaving many farmers without food or income. He urged the government to support farmers, especially those in semi-arid areas, through irrigation services to reduce crop and livestock losses.
He said the weather shocks had exposed the vulnerability of Uganda’s agriculture-dependent economy and called for the establishment of buffer stocks to help communities withstand future crises.
Kabaka also raised alarm over continued reports of child sacrifice and disappearances, calling for responsible parenthood and stronger guardianship. He said children are the future of the country and must be protected, well-fed, educated, and provided with adequate medical care.
