The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has officially launched the Mobilization for Peaceful, Credible 2026 Elections and Social Cohesion a national initiative shaped by months of inclusive stakeholder engagement and strategic planning. Under the theme “Working Together for a Peaceful, Free, Fair, and Credible 2026 Elections,” this campaign is a proactive, principled response to the pressing need for civic maturity, moral leadership, and institutional trust.

This initiative builds on IRCU’s track record as a central force in strengthening Uganda’s democratic culture. With landmark efforts such as the historic 2016 Presidential Debate which elevated issue-based campaigning and bolstered voter awareness IRCU has consistently championed civic engagement, political dialogue, and electoral peace.

Now, IRCU leads a wide-reaching mobilization effort that unites religious, political, cultural, and civic actors across all 17 sub-regions of Uganda. Rooted in spiritual reflection, inclusive dialogue, and community-driven engagement, this initiative reinforces Uganda’s broader governance and development priorities.

The national mobilization for peace and social cohesion addresses three urgent priorities:

• Electoral Preparation and Violence Prevention: In light of incidents like the Kawempe by-election violence, regional dialogues will address political tensions, promote ethical conduct, and encourage peaceful participation.
• Fighting Corruption and Promoting Ethical Leadership: With Uganda losing trillions annually to corruption, the initiative fosters national reflection and commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service.
• Economic Empowerment: Recognizing the link between peace and livelihoods, the campaign promotes employment, financial literacy, and access to capital for inclusive economic growth.

IRCU has already engaged key national institutions including the Electoral Commission, Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda National Bureau of Standards, and the Uganda Communications Commission among others laying a firm foundation for a coordinated national roadmap toward democratic integrity and long-term peace.

Core Pillars of the mobilization

1. Peaceful and Credible Elections: Facilitating regional dialogues to identify and address community grievances early.
2. Social Cohesion: Healing historical divisions and building bridges across ethnic, political, and religious divides.
3. Economic Resilience: Strengthening household incomes to anchor peace in sustainable livelihoods.
4. Ethical Leadership: Rebuilding institutional trust through values-based governance and public accountability.

This multi-sectoral strategy convenes religious and cultural leaders, political actors, women and youth, media, civil society, security agencies, and development partners. Though facilitated by IRCU, it is a shared national platform for dialogue and action owned by no single institution and open to all.

Peace messaging across traditional and digital platforms, along with the reactivation of District Interfaith Committees, will sustain the campaign’s momentum. The initiative will culminate in a unifying National Interfaith Prayer at Kololo Independence Grounds, marking key electoral milestones with a call to unity and humility.

Above all, this national mobilization affirms that peace and democracy are not seasonal pursuits, but daily, collective responsibilities.