President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the arrest of anyone, including leaders, who are engaged in promoting sectarianism.
He issued the directive on Saturday, 15th February 2025, while meeting about 27 local journalists from the Kigezi sub region at Irenga State Lodge in Ntungamo District.
The briefing centered on the implementation of the Parish Development Model and wealth creation in the region where he has toured for five days.
According to President Museveni, sectarianism is a crime, and any leader promoting it risks being arrested and even removed from office.
“I emphasized that the law is very clear: sectarianism is a crime. Those who engage in such practices should be arrested, prosecuted, and removed from leadership positions, especially if there is concrete evidence against them,” President Museveni said.
“President Museveni while addressing Kigezi Journalists at Irenga State Lodge in Ntungamo on Saturday. Clip by Ronald Odongo”
Regarding wealth creation, President Museveni encouraged local people to use support from PDM to eliminate poverty.
He appealed to leaders to sensitize locals on wealth creation instead of promoting sectarianism, a practice which he said can only mislead and impede the progress of the community.
Section 41 of the Penal Code Act criminalizes promotion of sectarianism in Uganda and any group or body of persons on account of religion, tribe or ethnic or regional origin commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.
President Museveni kicked off the PDM assessment tour of Kigezi on Tuesday, 11th February 2025.
While in the region, he visited model farmers supported by the government through PDM and operation wealth creation in Kisoro, Rubanda, and Kanungu districts, respectively.
The President also presided over the Kigezi leaders meeting held at Rukungiri Municipal Grounds, the public rally held at Rushebeya Grounds in Rukiga district, the commissioning of the Mirama-Kabale electricity transmission line in Rubanda district, the Presidential Skilling Hub in Kabale municipal, among others.
