ENTEBBE — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to reject religious and tribal discrimination, urging Christians and Muslims to promote unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Museveni made the call on Thursday, October 8, 2026, while addressing the 28th Uganda National Prayer Breakfast held at State House, Entebbe, ahead of the country’s 64th Independence anniversary.
The President said all human beings were created in God’s image, arguing that no person should be hated or discriminated against because of their tribe, religion or religious denomination.
He explained that discriminating against someone on the basis of their background amounted to rejecting a fellow human being created by God, adding that religious differences should not become a source of hatred and division.
Museveni cited the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, saying people should be judged according to their actions rather than their religious affiliations. He argued that good deeds should be appreciated regardless of the religious group to which a person belongs.
The President also explained the background of Uganda’s National Prayer Breakfast, recalling how Ugandan leaders visited the United States and learnt about similar gatherings intended to bring people from different religious and social backgrounds together.
He said the initiative was consistent with the principles of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), which he described as emphasising unity and opposition to sectarianism.
Museveni condemned violence committed in the name of religion, questioning the practice of killing others while claiming to act on God’s behalf. He said such actions contradicted the teachings of Jesus Christ, who called on people to love God and their neighbours.
He commended Members of Parliament, religious leaders and the organisers for sustaining the annual gathering, urging Ugandans to embrace mutual respect and cooperation as the country prepares to celebrate its Independence Day.
