Politics, Tribe Threaten Uganda Community in Ottawa

Ugandan clerics in Ottawa, Canada, have held a prayer breakfast to address growing tensions within the Ugandan community due to political divisions. Ugandans in Ottawa subscribe to a social group called the Ugandan Association in Ottawa, which has been polarized along political, tribal, and religious lines.

The event, which took place on October 12, 2024, at 499 Preston Street in Ottawa, was attended by faith leaders including Rev. Fr. Martin Ndyanabo, Parish Priest of St. Elizabeth Parish; Imam Dr. Faisal Nkutu; Rev. Joseph Kirya of River Jordan Ministries; and Pastor Doreen Katto of Spirit Life Church. The gathering marked Uganda’s 62nd Independence Day, and the clerics used the occasion to pray for unity.

The divisions threatening the Ugandan community in Ottawa have pitted supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) against those who align with Robert Kyagulanyi’s National Unity Platform (NUP). These differences, which began on social media, have now spilled over into the streets of Ottawa. 

Recently, a video circulated showing NUP supporters confronting Uganda’s High Commissioner, Joy Ruth Acheng, as she led a demonstration in downtown Ottawa to celebrate President Museveni’s achievements. The altercation led Canada to declare the High Commissioner persona non grata.

“We are not a country of fights, but when you see what’s going on, the principle of Ubuntu that says ‘I am because you are’ is gone. The NRM and NUP cannot survive without each other,” Rev. Fr. Ndyanabo said, referring to social media clips of the confrontations. “We are not here to endorse the government; we are here to endorse brotherhood,” he added, citing the motto ‘E pluribus unum,’ meaning ‘Out of many, one.’

Imam Faisal Nkutu drew on his family’s diverse religious and tribal background to call for unity. “We are using God as a unifier. The motto, ‘For God and My Country,’ which originated from Mwiri College, was adopted at the national level by President Obote. Uganda has tolerant people; let’s accommodate each other,” he said, urging the community to respect minority rights. 

“We are here to pray for peace, purify our hearts, and remove bitterness. Grant us the wisdom to care for one another,” he prayed, asking for God’s guidance for Ugandan leaders and protection from corruption. Rev. Joseph Kirya, Pastor of River Jordan Ministries, who arrived in Canada 25 years ago, noted that the divisions among Ugandans surfaced five years ago. Describing it as a radical shift, Rev. Kirya said Ugandans had transferred their conflicts from Kampala to Canadian streets. 

“We do not repay evil for evil,” he said, acknowledging that, though NRM-leaning, he pastors many NUP supporters. He recounted his willingness to offer assistance during Kyagulanyi’s recent visit to Ottawa, which was rejected. Rev. Kirya called on all parties to engage in civil discourse without intimidation.

Pastor Doreen Katto of Spirit Life Church Ottawa shared her concerns about the extent of the divisions, noting that political affiliations now prevent Ugandans from attending community functions. “We need to be one Ugandan family, we need to accept and accommodate each other,” she said.

The spokesperson for the National Unity Platform in Ottawa, Napoleon Byarugaba, attributed the divisions to factors such as age, the length of time someone has lived in Canada, and tribal affiliations. “There are people who came here 30 years ago who feel they have nothing to benefit from those who came yesterday,” he said. 

Byarugaba encouraged long-term residents to emulate leaders like Uganda Association in Ottawa Chairman Mr. David Kajoba and Mr. Jimmy Sebulime, who have made efforts to help newcomers settle in, as a way to promote unity. He also called on the High Commission staff to remain impartial in their service.

The inter-religious prayer breakfast was organized by the Uganda High Commission in Ottawa and the Uganda Association of Ottawa. The event was attended by a cross-section of Ugandans, including Uganda’s Deputy Head of Mission, Allan Kajik, the Defense Attaché, Col. Barigye Bahoku, and other High Commission staff. Following the prayers, attendees cut a cake to celebrate Uganda’s 62nd Independence anniversary.