Mityana District Woman MP, Joyce Bagala, urged Ugandans to pray for political prisoners and opposition supporters during Christmas Day prayers at St Joseph Busunjju Catholic Parish in Mityana District.
“We should pray for the oppressed people and the ones in prison like Dr Kizza Besigye and other political prisoners, especially National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters like Eddie Mutwe and Achleo Kivumbi. We should also pray for the opposition supporters who were disappeared in the last election,” Bagala said.
She also called for unity and civility in political discourse. “Those of us seeking to change the status quo should work for it with courage and respect for one another. Seeking to change the status quo does not mean we should insult or demean others,” she said.
Bagala also urged voters to avoid illegal activities that could put them at risk. “We call on the government to release all political prisoners arrested during the past elections and the current ones,” she added.
Elsewhere in Kampala, Christmas prayers at St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga, drew key dignitaries, including the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, Prince Wasajja, Education Minister John Chrysostom Muyingo, and NUP Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi.
“The Kabaka of Buganda has called on security forces to halt violent invasions and human rights violations while maintaining peace,” said Mayiga during the service.
The Christmas messages come amid heightened political tensions following reports of targeted attacks on opposition figures. NUP Busiro South MP Charles Matovu and nearly twenty members of his campaign team were reportedly assaulted by soldiers while returning from a campaign event.
David Lewis Rubongoya, NUP Secretary General, confirmed that the group was whipped, insulted, and robbed, and later treated at Mengo Hospital.
Rubongoya condemned the attack, stating, “Hopefully, in 21 days, the people of Uganda will speak with one voice and bring this nightmare to an end.”
Amid the festive season, opposition leaders and MPs are using the occasion to call for respect, peace, and adherence to human rights, while reminding citizens of the importance of responsible political engagement ahead of the January 2026 elections.
