Every beginning of the year, people make resolutions. It is a time when we review our targets set out in the previous year and how far we have been able to achieve them.
2016 is an election year in Uganda. We should make it a point to remain peaceful, especially during the election period. We should, as a nation, allow divergent political ideologies to flourish before, during and after the elections.
State instruments should be used to ensure all Ugandans freely express their views in peace and harmony.
Election violence in all its forms should be condemned. Ugandans should jealously protect the peace that we have enjoyed in the past 30 years. We should work with the government to identify potential conflicts, and other unlawful practices leading violence before it actually happens.
Special initiatives such as community policing should be conducted at all levels. Basic security and civic training should also be encouraged in communities and institutions. Hate propaganda and campaigns should be discouraged.
Uganda is a God-fearing nation. This is reflected in our motto, For God and my Country, and the diverse faith groups we have in country. The New Year should, therefore, be a year of peace and harmony, reflecting on the Pope’s message of peace and reconciliation during his recent visit to Uganda.
Sylvia Namuju,
snamuju@gmail.com
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