Politics 19 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Vote for Competence Over Religion, Urges Kigezi Advocate
A community advocate from Rubanda District calls on Ugandans to prioritize leaders' competence and accountability instead of religious affiliation during elections. He shares personal stories highlighting how religion fails to address everyday challenges like healthcare and jobs. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/letters/competence-not-religion-should-determine-our-vote-5397172
Anthony B. Kiiza, a community advocate from Bubaare Town Council in Rubanda District, argues that voters should choose leaders based on merit rather than faith. Growing up in a Catholic family in Kabindi Village, Nyamiyaga Ward, he observed the common practice of supporting politicians from the same religion.
Kiiza recounts a recent family crisis when his 82-year-old mother needed urgent treatment for a dislocated hip. The local Bubaare Health Centre III couldn’t help, forcing them to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, which required Shs3 million upfront. Care was provided at Rugarama Hospital, an Anglican facility, without regard to their religion—proving humanity trumps faith in real needs.
He also shares how a relative was asked for a Shs4 million bribe for a district job dominated by Catholics but was rejected after declining. Such corruption affects qualified candidates across religions, yet many stay silent.
In Kigezi, Kiiza notes intimidation of Anglican leaders for not backing Catholic candidates and online backlash against those questioning religious voting blocs. He was even kicked from a WhatsApp group for challenging the idea.
Daily struggles like unemployment, poor roads, high costs, and healthcare gaps unite Catholics, Anglicans, Muslims, and Pentecostals—who are often relatives and neighbors. Kiiza urges focusing on economic empowerment so people support communities willingly, not under pressure.
“Faith should guide values, but votes must build competent leadership,” he concludes. Prioritizing integrity benefits all.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)