KAMPALA-Religious leaders from various religions and other key stakeholders in Uganda, have been asked to prioritize preaching peace and togetherness if the country is to continue being peaceful.
At the launch of Hongera Saana Uganda, a Presidential Mobilization Body for peace and Development in Kampala on Wednesday, AIGP David Wasswa Sengendo , the Director for Counter Terrorism in Uganda Police, noted that it’s every one’s responsibility to participate in promoting a violence free country.
“Terrorism is not a security problem, it’s for the entire society and that’s where the word holistic approach starts from. If we get approach of solving violent extremism , there are so many things that we can solve in due process.” remarked Wasswa
He also pointed out that with community vigilance , most acts which lead to terrorism can be prevented before it’s too late.
“On the past, many have been using religion as the basis to force people into terrorism, but with coordination from various religious leaders, we have been able to break that.” Maj Steven Chywinya, the Director counter terrorism at Internal Security Organization (ISO) commended Hongera Saana for have brought them (security) closer to the people inorder to bridge the information gap that has existed for some time.
“We have realized that as Security, we can’t fight terrorism and violent extremism alone. Hongera Saana as come up with a good idea of fighting poverty which is so important in fighting violent extremism.”
Chywinya also requested the initiators of this initiative to not only stop in Kampala, but should also roll it out in areas like Busoga , Arua where people take advantage of poverty to recruit people into terrorism activities.
“We are no longer interested in making arrests , Bishop you need to preach to people through effective communication that discourages them from engaging in crime.”
Shiekh Yunus Kamoga, the Amirl Umar , called upon Ugandans to respect each other’s religious beliefs if we are to maintain a peaceful country.
“Building a peaceful society is not a simple thing, but bleaching peace is very simple. We should avoid attacking people’s religions, if you’re a Born again Christian don’t preach our side the mosque as I have witnessed on my way here. “
Kamoga advised that if street preaching is not handled very well, it will cause the country problems because some believers may see it as an attack on their religion (Incase a preacher does it with hidden interests).
“I sacrificed my self, held several engagements with various security organs, I highlighted their mistakes including endless arrests on Muslims and good enough they took my advice and changed. I did this in broad day light for the peace in our country, but unfortunately some people didn’t take it in good faith.”
Muyomba Ashraf, the National Coordinator of Hongera Saana initiative revealed that they came up with this initiative to address the rampant cases of violent extremism and hate speech which are mainly being practiced by the ignorant young people.
“Violent extremism are behaviors done by individuals or groups of people to achieve their religious or political goals (most of these are violent). Some one goes on social media and uses hate speech, this has become the new normal. We have young people who are not even ashamed of abusing the young people.”
He added that they are going to they are going to use socio economic transformation , household income and community engagement to handle violent extremism.
