Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has raised concern over growing electoral violence, excessive campaign spending, food insecurity and rising crime, warning that these trends pose a serious threat to Uganda’s peace and development.
In his Christmas and New Year 2026 message, the Kabaka said he was troubled by reports of violence targeting candidates and voters ahead of the elections, describing such acts as unlawful and a violation of human rights.
“Many of our people have been subjected to harm, including being beaten, preventing candidates from reaching scheduled venues to address voters, and other acts that break the law and violate human rights,” the Kabaka said.
He called on the national Electoral Commission to go beyond condemning these incidents and take practical steps to ensure a fair political environment for all contenders.
“We ask our colleagues on the national Electoral Commission not only to condemn these matters but also to assist every candidate, without bias, to deliver their message to the voters without being blocked or tortured in any way,” he said, adding that such actions do not reflect civility or national progress.
The Kabaka also questioned the growing culture of excessive spending in politics, warning that it encourages corruption and weak leadership.
“The politics and selection of leaders we see today are filled with excessive spending, and we wonder where such large amounts of money come from,” he said.
“Elections conducted in this manner elevate people without the capability to lead, who then prioritize recovering the money they spent to get elected. This is the root of corruption and the destruction of our country’s development.”
He urged citizens to exercise wisdom when choosing leaders and cautioned voters against being swayed by money and handouts.
Turning to food security, Kabaka Mutebi expressed concern over prolonged dry spells that have affected crop production across the country.
“Rain remains scarce in most parts of the country, yet during the months of November (Museenene) and December (Ntenvu), we would have expected sufficient rainfall,” he said, noting that maize and beans had been badly affected.
He encouraged households to prioritize food storage, particularly dry foodstuffs, and appealed to government to strengthen support for farmers through irrigation.
“We ask the government to increase efforts to provide irrigation equipment, especially to communities living near water sources. Reducing taxes on irrigation machinery is also necessary to enable ordinary citizens to afford them and improve harvests,” the Kabaka said.
The Kabaka also sounded the alarm over rising insecurity, citing reports of missing children, ritual killings and attacks by machete-wielding gangs.
“We continue to hear reports of people whose children go missing and are never seen again. We thought such acts had ended, but they have resurfaced,” he said.
He urged families to remain vigilant during the festive season and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
“We ask you to remain vigilant and protect yourselves and our children, especially during this festive season. We also call upon the security forces to increase their efforts in safeguarding our people and their property,” he said.
Despite the concerns, Kabaka Mutebi expressed gratitude for the prayers and support of his people and thanked God for enabling the nation to reach Christmas 2025. He wished Ugandans a joyful Christmas and a New Year filled with peace and good health.
