By Otim Nape
A grave betrayal is unfolding in the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, an indigenous, national faith-based organization that was established 24 years ago to unite efforts of religious institutions to jointly address issues of common concern. It is not the first time that this body corporate is coming under public scrutiny.
The citizens of Uganda had once hoped that the IRCU, regarded as the conscience of our society would standup to admonish Gen Tibuhaburwa whose grip on power tightens every day. The council’s credibility both real and perceived is waning even internally as there are machinations, conspiracies and intrigues amongst its top leadership; the Council of Presidents to become the other Tibuhaburwa whom they sometimes castigate.
The current Chairperson whose three-year term of office ended on March 23, 2025 is scheming to stay beyond his rightful term, violating the core principle of rotational leadership. This is an assault on values, a reckless disregard for integrity and a stain on the moral authority of the council.
The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, Council of Presidents (CoP) comprises of His Grace Samuel Stephen Kazimba-Mugalu of the Church of the Province of Uganda and current Chairperson whose term just ended, His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubajje, Grand Mufti of Uganda, Pr. Dr. Moses Ndimukika Maka, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Uganda Union, His Grace Metropolitan Jerenymous Muzeeyi, Archbishop of the Uganda Orthodox Church, His Grace Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa, Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese and Chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Apostle Dr. Joseph Serwadda, President Born Again Faith in Uganda and Bishop Dr. Moses Odongo, General Overseer of National Fellowship of Born-Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda/Alliance of Pentecostals and Evangelicals.
The IRCU Constitution provides for a three-year rotation term for each faith leader as Chair of the Council of Presidents as other members act as Co-Chairs. This has been the tradition but the sweetness of the chair as former President Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa once said “entebe ewooma” has crept into the faith fraternity.
This is a litmus test for IRCU’s credibility and character. Concerned stakeholders are watching to see at a time like this when there is an internal attempt to hijack leadership, who will resist and save the organization’s integrity from being sacrificed at the altar of selfish gains.
The IRCU leadership doesn’t have to behave like most African Presidents who have utter disregard to their countries’ Constitutions and think that they are the only most capable for the job. If this is permitted, the top echelons of the Ugandan clergy will become no different from the corrupt and decadent leaders we all ought to condemn. The religious leaders will have forfeited their right to speak against injustice and undemocratic tendencies. They will have sold their credibility for personal ambitions.
This is a test of their integrity to see if they have the moral authority to speak to the powers that be about transition and succession. For them to remain above board, their own rules must be upheld to avoid bearing the shame of destroying what they are supposed to be standing for. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
