Inter-Religious Council Formed in Kagadi District to Oppose Kapyemi Healing City

Christian and Muslim leaders in Kagadi district have united to establish an inter-religious council with the aim of opposing the creation of the proposed Kapyemi healing city, under the leadership of Faith of Unity.

The campaign to establish Kapyemi as a healing city, located in Muhorro town council, Kagadi district, was initiated by Omukama Ruhanga Owobusobozi Bisaka, the founder of Faith of Unity, who sought the government of Uganda’s consideration for its headquarters to be designated as a healing city.

Omukwenda Akugizibwe Bisaka, the leader of Faith of Unity, has been at the forefront of promoting this initiative.

Recently, Hon. Raphael Magezi, the Minister of Local Government, called upon area Members of Parliament, stakeholders, and religious leaders to collaborate and decide on the most suitable development path for Kagadi district, choosing between a city and a municipality.

In response to this call, Pr. Magezi F Ibrahim, the leader of the Pentecostal church, chaired an inter-religious meeting at St. Luke’s Church of Uganda. Leaders from various religious denominations, including Anglicans, Seventh Day Adventists, Catholics, and Muslims, came together to express their resistance to the creation of Kapyemi as a healing city, advocating for the elevation of Kagadi Town Council to municipal status instead. They believe that this would be more inclusive of people from different religious backgrounds.

Pr. Magezi F Ibrahim expressed his condemnation of the district council for pushing the campaign without consulting other religious leaders, fearing that the creation of Kapyemi Healing City would erase the identity of Kagadi.

Rev Canon Theo Irumba, who represented the Anglican Church, warned that the establishment of Kapyemi Healing City could lead to divisionism within the district, urging the councilors to handle the matter with care and cooperation.

Rev Fr. Julius Musasizi, speaking on behalf of the Catholic faith, condemned the alleged corruption within the Kagadi district local government. He emphasized the need for a unifying name for the proposed administrative unit.

Khadi Sheik Twalibu Tibenda of Mabale County expressed the importance of a city that embraces all religions without sidelining any.

Pastor Johnson Byabasaija Mururi of Kagadi Central SDA Church urged the government to intervene swiftly to prevent potential religious conflicts that could arise in the district.

During the meeting, Rev Geoffrey Kiiza was assigned to record the minutes, and the council reached several resolutions. They decided to form a committee to present their concerns to the Prime Minister’s Office, to hold joint prayers on Sunday afternoons, and to organize a peaceful march around Kagadi Town streets.

Furthermore, the council resolved to schedule a meeting with Kagadi district councilors regularly and attend district and sub-county council sessions consistently.

The religious leaders have also collectively agreed to deny platforms to any political leaders who support the creation of Kapyemi Healing City.

The establishment of the inter-religious council marks a significant step in the ongoing debate over the future development direction of Kagadi district, with religious leaders coming together to voice their unified stance against the proposed healing city. The matter is expected to be presented to higher authorities for further consideration and resolution.