Lira, Uganda | Religious leaders, police officials, and civic educators in northern Uganda have urged calm and restraint ahead of the 2026 general elections, warning that rising political tensions threaten community cohesion in Lango Subregion.
The appeal came on Tuesday as the Lira Peace Caravan opened at Lira Main Market, where the Bishop of Lango Diocese, Rt Rev Prof Alfred Olwa, delivered a solemn prayer calling for civility from both security forces and the public.
Bishop Olwa urged voters to reject bribery, saying their future carried greater value than any handout offered during campaigns and that leaders who buy their way into office can not be expected to serve the people faithfully.
The call for restraint was echoed by the North Kyoga Police spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, who issued a series of stern cautions to the public.
He warned motorists against concealing number plates, explaining that the practice is increasingly used by criminals during election periods to avoid identification.
Okema also criticised the widespread defacing of campaign posters in Lira City, noting that police had already made several arrests over the practice.
He further condemned the assault of a journalist by supporters of a Lira City candidate and said the attackers had been identified and would soon face arrest and prosecution.
At the event, Okema reminded residents that the campaign period would conclude in January 2026 and cautioned them against allowing political disagreements to turn into lasting community grudges, arguing that peaceful coexistence would be essential once the elections ended.
The Peace Caravan, organised by Uganda IPOD, the Electoral Commission, and NIMD Uganda, is touring the region to promote non-violence and encourage lawful political behaviour.
A day earlier, on a QFM radio programme, Alfred Bukenya of the National Consultative Forum explained that the initiative was intended to guide citizens on proper conduct during elections in order to ensure a peaceful process.
Bukenya also advised candidates who may feel aggrieved by election outcomes to follow legal procedures.
He said that those who believe results have been manipulated should seek redress through the courts only if they possess solid evidence, and he stressed that before pursuing legal action they should first engage key stakeholders for dialogue, as democracy depends on respect for due process.
The Peace Caravan’s arrival in Lira comes amid growing concerns about political intolerance, voter inducements, and sporadic violence across parts of the Lango subregion.
