Written By | Patson Baraire Mushaija
Kabale District leaders, led by Ndorwa West MP and Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Catherine Atwakire Ndamira, together with Minister Oboth-Oboth
Search
Kigezi
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 spirit of tolerance that has defined the country’s religious harmony for decades. Minister Oboth-Oboth made the call while opening a three-day symposium for more than 90 religious leaders from the Kigezi Sub-region. The symposium, held under the theme “The Interface Between Religious Leaders in Strengthening National Security,” is part of the events commemorating the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary in Kigezi.
He noted that Uganda remains a model of peaceful religious coexistence, crediting this to President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership and the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
“You will find Christians and Muslims attending the same public event without tension. We must protect this,” he said.
The Minister encouraged communities to embrace mutual respect, noting that cultural and religious greetings such as Salaam Alaikum, Shalom, or local greetings are expressions of peace and should never be used to create division. “You don’t have to belong to a particular faith to respond to a greeting of peace,” he stated. “A greeting is not a declaration of belief.”
Minister Oboth-Oboth laying a wreath on the monuments of Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi and David Kangire at Kabale Stadium
He reminded religious leaders of their crucial role in shaping national values, resolving community disputes, and strengthening 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) and Ndorwa West Member of Parliament, Hon. David Bahati, also addressed the leaders. He emphasized that President Museveni has consistently upheld freedom of worship and encouraged religious leaders to use Inter-Religious Council platforms to promote unity and guide their congregations toward wealth creation.
In a related engagement, Minister Oboth-Oboth met veterans attending another three-day symposium and applauded their invaluable service to the nation. He highlighted ongoing improvements in pension management, access to healthcare, and recent amendments to the UPDF Act, which now better support both active and retired personnel. “People are no longer afraid of retiring,” he noted, adding that government is considering the introduction of a national day dedicated to veterans.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon Oboth-Oboth being received at Kabale Stadium where he laid a wreath as part of the Tarehe Sita activities
Earlier, the Minister joined senior officers in laying a wreath at Kabale Stadium in memory of Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) activists who were executed at the site on 10th 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 Idi Amin,” he said.
He explained that President Museveni has consistently directed 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 executed and buried at Kabale Stadium.
Hon. Oboth-Oboth revealed that the UPDF, under the strategic guidance of the Commander-in-Chief, is constructing a monument at the site to honour the fallen heroes.
“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, adding that President Museveni is expected to unveil the completed monument on 6th February during the Tarehe Sita celebrations.
The wreath-laying ceremony marked the beginning of a series of activities tracing the liberation history of Kigezi and commemorating the region’s significant contribution to Uganda’s freedom struggle.
Minister Oboth-Oboth was accompanied by the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs), Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, the Joint Staff Human Resource Management, Maj Gen James Kinalwa, the Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, and Brig Gen Johnson Niwamanya, among other senior officers.
Torch Media Africa
