PRESS RELEASE
Canon Justice James Ogoola, Chairperson, The Elders’ Forum of Uganda
The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU), The Elders Forum of Uganda (TEFU), the Women Situation Room (WSR), the Women of Faith, the Youth, the representatives of political parties and a cross section of members of civil society organizations, met at a consultation workshop at the African Village Hotel, Mukono under the theme “Nation-building: our call, our responsibility”.
Responding to the national outcry for dialogue and inspired by the divine call for nations to rise to their responsibility, the workshop resolved to put in place a framework to mobilize all citizens to engage in a national dialogue on issues that are threatening good governance, national values, unity, quality of service delivery and an inclusive economy that works for all.
The proposed national dialogue will be an inclusive process drawing in all citizens in their diversity. It is hoped that citizens will rise up to the challenges of the day and commit themselves to prioritising
peaceful coexistence, national stability and unity above political party, ethnic and other loyalties. Citizens will be challenged to make the necessary sacrifices that come with choices that seek to serve the common good.
The consultative retreat was opened by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, represented by the Minister for General Duties, office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut. The Prime Minister underscored the need for collective effort from all citizens to transform Uganda into a middle-income economy. He assured the participants of Government’s commitment to support all efforts towards building national cohesion and peaceful co-existence.
Considering the non-partisan, independent and impartial nature of IRCU and TEFU as well as their national standing, the retreat participants resolved that the national dialogue process be stewarded by both organisations working in collaboration with WSR and other stakeholders.
Given that nation-building is a responsibility for all citizens, the retreat calls on all Ugandans to participate in this noble cause of shaping a Uganda where all people live in peace and prosperity.
Aware of Uganda’s geo-political position in the Great Lakes Region, the retreat encourages religious leaders and elders in neighbouring countries to continue their efforts to tackle systematically the root causes of instability in their countries. They further committed themselves to pray for and accompany their colleagues in this initiative. Africa is deeply wounded. Let us take responsibility for her healing. Africa has come of age. Let all peace-loving citizens take responsibility for shaping a more promising future for us all.
Signed this 17th day of August, 2016.
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His Grace The Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali Canon Justice James Ogoola
Acting Chair, IRCU Council of Presidents and Chairperson, The Elders Forum of Uganda
Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Uganda
