This week on Wednesday December 23rd 2020, the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) led by Arch Bishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga issued a statement seeking the delay of elections for 3years. It should be remembered that the elections are scheduled for 14th January 2021; three weeks away.
I was surprised by this move and wondered what could have prompted UJCC to come up with such a position.
What have they just realized that they did not realize before? Where they and what were were they doing when the elections road map was being drawn?
Why the U turn now when lots of resources and time have been invested in the verification, nomination, sensitization, campaigns, ballot paper printing, security, consultations and even national prayers in which UJCC participated?
How sure are they that COVID19 will be no more after three years? Since when did the clergy lose hope and faith in God?
Wouldn’t it have been better if they worked under the Inter Religious Council of Uganda IRCU?. Do they know the political and economic implications of delaying an election?
Don’t they know that this could cause a constitutional crisis whose repercussions could be more serious than COVID19? Whom did they consult anyway? Are they speaking on behalf of all Ugandans or Ugandan Christians?
With due respect to the UJCC clergy, I think, they got it wrong.
There are many serious and pressing issues that the clergy should focus on. They should for example speak out against aspirants who are flouting the COVID19 SOPs.
They should condemn campaigns of incitement and glorification of violence. They should do what they do best; which is praying for Uganda before, during and after elections.
Delaying elections will not save us from COVID19 because it is not an SOP. What is going to save Ugandans from COVID19 is prayer and strict observance of the SOPs.
For God and my Country
The writer is a Senior Media consultant. He can be reached on hajimutumba@gmail.com
