The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has strongly cautioned Ugandans—especially politicians and the youth—against sectarianism, urging them to focus on development and unity rather than religious and ethnic divisions.
Speaking on March 22, 2025, at Great Lakes University in Kanungu District, where Dr. Chris Baryomunsi was installed as the institution’s second Chancellor, Tayebwa addressed the long-standing issue of sectarianism in Uganda’s political landscape.
“We, the Banyakigezi, face a challenge that we often try to conceal—sectarianism in politics. When it comes to voting, many of us tend to choose candidates based on their religion, as if such division will somehow lead to improvements in infrastructure, such as roads and water supply, in our area,” he stated.
He pointed out that sectarianism has hindered development in various communities, as it often results in leaders who prioritize religious or ethnic affiliations over service delivery.
Tayebwa further emphasized that Uganda’s progress depends on unity, noting that Great Lakes University itself was rescued by a Catholic benefactor, even though its founder is an Anglican reverend.
“When this university faced challenges, the person who saved it was a Catholic, yet the founder is a reverend from the Anglican faith. I urge the people of Kanungu to reject those promoting sectarianism. Those who fought to liberate this country from such divisions are your children, and allowing sectarianism would be letting them down.”
He commended the university’s directors for their resilience and praised Dr. Baryomunsi’s appointment, stating that his leadership will significantly benefit the institution.
“I do not think there is a door in this country that Dr. Baryomunsi can knock on and be turned away. He is also very strict when it comes to quality; he is highly demanding and will ensure compliance with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) requirements.”
Following his installation, Dr. Baryomunsi pledged to work diligently to transform Great Lakes University into a more competitive and innovative institution.
Meanwhile, Olivia Tumuhirwe Arinaitwe, a Director at the university, appealed to the government to exempt private universities from taxation and allow them to share facilities such as science laboratories with public universities to ease their financial burden.
Rev. Fr. Abel Bainomugisha, the university’s Executive Director, revealed that over Shs2 billion is needed to construct a new engineering and technology complex, aligning with government education policies.
During the event, 110 students graduated in various disciplines, marking a significant milestone for the university.