The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, has urged religious leaders to safeguard Uganda’s long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence among different faiths.
The Minister made the appeal on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, while opening a three-day symposium for more than 90 religious leaders from the Kigezi sub-region.
The meeting, held under the theme, “The Interface Between Religious Leaders in Strengthening National Security,” is one of the key activities ahead of the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary, which commemorates the founding of the National Resistance Army (NRA) on February 6, 1981.
Oboth-Oboth noted that Uganda’s ability to host Christians, Muslims, and believers of other faiths at the same public events without friction is a national treasure that must be protected.
“You will find Christians and Muslims attending the same public event without tension. We must protect this,” he said.
According to him, greetings like Salaam Alaikum and Shalom should bind communities together rather than divide them.
The Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon David Bahati, echoed the message, nothing that President Museveni has consistently defended freedom of worship.
He encouraged religious leaders to use their platforms to promote peace, unity, and economic empowerment.
Earlier in the day, Oboth-Oboth led senior UPDF officers in laying a wreath at Kabale Stadium in honour of three Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) activists; Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi, and Kangire Kagoro David who were executed at the site on February 10th, 1973, under the Idi Amin regime.
“Today we are here to lay a wreath in memory of our gallant sons of Kigezi who were summarily executed by the dictator regime of Idi Amin,” he said.
He revealed that the UPDF is constructing a monument at Kabale Stadium to preserve the memory of the fallen activists. The memorial is expected to be unveiled by President Museveni during the Tarehe Sita celebrations on February 6, 2026.
In a separate meeting with veterans, Oboth-Oboth outlined ongoing efforts to improve welfare, including streamlined pensions, better healthcare access, and recent amendments to the UPDF Act that extend benefits to retired personnel.
“People are no longer afraid of retiring,” the Minister remarked.
He was accompanied by the Minister of State for Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, along with senior UPDF leaders, among them Maj Gen James Kinalwa and Maj Gen Henry Masiko.
