&nbsp;
30 May, 2024
The Ugandan government's proposed RFOs Policy 2023, aiming to regulate religious and faith organizations (RFOs), has ignited strong opposition from church leaders. Spearheaded by the Directorate of the Ministry of Ethics and Integrity and the Office of the President, the policy seeks to increase government oversight of RFOs.
Church leaders argue that this policy could have significant and potentially harmful effects. The policy mandates that religious leaders undergo formal training and obtain permits to qualify as leaders. It also requires RFOs to account for all their dealings to the government, ostensibly to promote accountability and transparency. Additionally, RFOs would need permission to establish worship premises.
However, church leaders view this as an attempt to curb their freedom of worship and expression. They believe the policy is based on the misguided notion that RFOs are potential breeding grounds for rebel groups, while in reality, the majority of Ugandans involved in RFOs are peaceful and law-abiding citizens.
Officials from the International Center for Religious Advocacy and Development (ICRAD) announced on Wednesday that they are taking a multipronged approach to oppose the policy. They are drafting a petition to President Museveni, which has already garnered 10,000 signatures from church leaders across 20 districts, protesting the policy and calling for its abandonment.
ICRAD Director Simon Ssenyonga warned of the dire consequences the policy could have, citing Kenya's experience with a similar policy passed last year, which, according to him, led to devastating natural disasters. He quoted Prophet Elvis Mbonye, who predicted these disasters, cautioning that Uganda could face similar calamities if the policy is implemented.
Other church leaders echoed these sentiments, pointing to historical examples where attempts to regulate or suppress religious freedom led to disastrous outcomes. They warned that the government's actions could be perceived as antagonizing God, potentially resulting in far-reaching and unpredictable consequences.
Wisdom K. Peter, another ICRAD director, expressed concerns about repercussions similar to those in Kenya following the implementation of their policy. He referenced Prophet Elvis Mbonye's prediction that ignoring such warnings could lead to natural disasters, like the recent floods in Kenya. "The disdainful attitude of the policy's authors, who equate religious organizations with vagabond rebel groups, is both insulting and dangerous," Wisdom added, highlighting the unfavorable comparison of RFOs to groups like the ADF, Al Shabaab, and the LRA.
Rev. Stephen Bamutungire from All Saints Cathedral emphasized historical precedents where religious opposition in Uganda had profound consequences. He drew parallels to the martyrdom faced by followers during the reign of Buganda King Mwanga and the persecution under Idi Amin in 1977. "These historical events, including the martyrdom of Archbishop Janani Luwum, demonstrate the resilience of our faith against government oppression," Bamutungire stated.
Former Soroti District Woman MP Hon. Angelina Osege cautioned that disrupting divine missions could lead to downfall, as seen in the case of Idi Amin. "History shows that no one who has antagonized the divine has emerged unscathed. This policy, while seeming to regulate mere humans, actually interferes with those acting in God's service," she remarked.
Michael David Kyazze, senior pastor of Omega Healing Centre, asserted the church's strong stance against the policy. "This resurrected law, which we previously overcame, will find us even more united and resilient than before," he said.
In conclusion, church leaders are united in their opposition to the RFOs Policy 2023, warning that it could backfire by inciting resistance and potentially bringing about divine retribution. Their collective response underscores the significant role of religious organizations in Ugandan society and the potential consequences of attempting to regulate them.

Ugandan church leaders strongly oppose the government's RFOs Policy 2023, warning it could stifle religious freedom and have disastrous consequences. They argue that increased regulation of religious organizations is misguided and could lead to significant backlash.

Uganda: Government Warned That Regulating Churches Could Backfire