Kampala, Uganda — The National Unity Platform has strongly condemned what it describes as an unlawful interference by the government in religious worship, after authorities blocked a planned prayer service at Lubaga Cathedral intended to honour veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye and other political detainees.
In a statement shared on social media, the party said that despite Article 29(1)(c) of the Constitution guaranteeing freedom of worship, the “authoritative regime did not hesitate to block prayers” meant to honour Besigye and other political prisoners.
The party also criticised the government’s decision to order Paul Ssemogerere, Archbishop of Kampala, to cancel the Mass, calling the move “barbaric” and evidence of “state capture and authoritarian rule.”
The prayer service was scheduled for Monday afternoon at St. Mary’s Lubaga Cathedral in Kampala but was abruptly postponed just minutes before it was due to start. Friends, family, and supporters had already gathered at the cathedral when they were informed of the decision.
According to reports, the Archbishop received a call from President Yoweri Museveni, who asked him to postpone the Mass pending further review, citing concerns that the gathering could take on a political character.
Supporters inside the cathedral responded by singing hymns and offering prayers despite the cancellation, with many calling for justice and the release of Besigye, who has been detained since late 2024 on treason-related charges.
In its statement, the National Unity Platform insisted that no church in Uganda should be required to seek clearance from the government before holding worship services, and reiterated its support for Besigye and all political prisoners facing what it describes as “trumped-up charges.”
The incident has sparked debate about the balance between state security concerns and constitutional freedoms in the politically charged post-election period in Uganda.
