Uganda’s Catholic bishops have called for national reconciliation and the release of people detained for political reasons in their Easter message released Saturday ahead of Easter celebrations on April 5.
The Uganda Episcopal Conference appealed for unity, citing “political division, economic hardships and various forms of immorality.”
“We appeal to the government to consider the release of those detained for political reasons, and to establish a lasting mechanism for national reconciliation,” the bishops said in a pastoral message.
The message, released by Joseph Antony Zziwa, chairman of the bishops’ conference, also stated that past elections recorded deaths, while some Ugandans were injured or traumatized, and some remain in detention due to their political beliefs. The statement did not provide figures or details about the reported cases.
President Yoweri Museveni, who won re-election with 71% of the vote, is scheduled to be sworn in next month.
The bishops urged citizens to use Easter as a time for repentance and reconciliation, drawing on their 2024 pastoral letter, “The Truth Will Set You Free,” which called for honesty and accountability as a foundation for national healing.
The Uganda Episcopal Conference is the national assembly of the Catholic hierarchy in Uganda, established in 1960 and recognized by the Holy See in 1974.
The bishops also encouraged Christians to embrace love, peace, patience and self-control to rebuild communities. They conveyed greetings from Pope Leo XIV, whom they met during a recent visit to Rome. The pope commended the growth of the Catholic Church in Uganda and extended his apostolic blessing.
“As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, let us allow the power of His love to transform our hearts, families, communities and nation,” the message read.
The Easter message came as Ugandans celebrated the holiday after what police described as the most peaceful election.
