Politics 5 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Bishop Lubaale: Political Competition is Democracy, Not a Crime in Uganda
Anglican Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Prof Grace Lubaale, has urged Ugandans not to criminalize political opposition, emphasizing that competing with the state strengthens democracy through free participation and fair elections. He called for the release of detainees without trial or swift prosecution amid rising political arrests. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/competing-with-the-state-is-democracy-not-crime-bishop-lubaale-5413646
Prof Grace Lubaale, the Anglican Bishop of Busoga Diocese, delivered a strong message during his first Easter Sunday service at Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe in Jinja City. He argued that viewing political competition against the state as a crime undermines democracy.
“Competing with the state should not be viewed as a criminal act but rather as a fundamental expression of democracy,” the bishop stated, highlighting the need for open participation from both majority and minority voices in national decisions.
He stressed that free and fair elections are vital for citizens to shape Uganda’s future, warning that current political tensions and arrests threaten national unity.
Bishop Lubaale expressed deep concern over prolonged detentions without trial, describing them as unjust and a violation of the rule of law. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said, urging authorities to either release those held without charges or expedite prosecutions.
He reminded all that Uganda belongs to every citizen, who deserves to live freely and peacefully. Addressing these issues, he added, would ease national pressures and foster lasting peace.
In his Easter message, the bishop encouraged Christians to draw hope from Jesus Christ’s resurrection, living out their faith courageously in challenging times.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)