First Lady calls on women to lead prayers for peace ahead of elections

_________________

First Lady Mrs Janet Museveni has officially opened a three-day women’s Christian prayer camp in the Teso region, urging Christian women to take the lead in praying for peace as Uganda approaches its general elections.

The event took place on Monday (December 8) at Jeresar High School in Soroti city and was organised by the Destiny Community Development Initiative (DECODI) under the theme “When Women Rise and Pray,” inspired by Psalm 46:5, running from December 8 to 10, 2025.

During her address, the First Lady emphasised the crucial role of women in praying for peace across all districts in Uganda. She urged them to pray against confusion, bloodshed and intimidation, and to seek the emergence of truth over fear and deception. She highlighted the importance of choosing leaders whose hearts resonate with God's purposes.

Represented by Dr Lorna Magara, chairperson of the Makerere University Council and leader of Intercessors for Uganda, Mrs Museveni underlined that when women unite in prayer, heaven takes notice and nations can experience realignment.

The First Lady noted that throughout history, God has empowered women not primarily through political platforms but significantly through spiritual influence.

She stated that women shape core values, as the home environment, the teachings imparted to children, and the guidance provided within communities are profoundly influenced by mothers.

She added that “if you raise a child, you shape a life; but if you raise a mother, you shape a nation.”

The First Lady reaffirmed that women are the custodians of peace, observing that communities often reflect the spirit of their homes, which in turn reflects the essence of the mother.

She insisted that when women reject violence and advocate for peace, entire communities tend to follow. According to her, women serve as the moral compass of society and challenges such as corruption, tribalism and dishonesty are not only national concerns but also deeply spiritual ones that often have roots in the home.

The First Lady said women have the power to nurture integrity or undermine those entrusted to their care, adding that a mother can bless a nation and safeguard future generations, with her prayers capable of opening doors that no election can close.

She noted that Uganda is at a pivotal moment, describing it as a time marked by both the weight of change and the promise of what lies ahead. She likened the country’s transition to the moment when the Israelites stood on the banks of the Jordan, gazing towards the promised land.

She said that just as the priests stepped into the water to lead their nation forward, women and prayer warriors in Teso are being called to rise in this significant season.

She stressed that the prayer camp is not an ordinary gathering but a prophetic space designed to prepare Uganda for what God intends for the future.

Before praying for what lies ahead, she urged women to remember Uganda's past, which has been marked by immense challenges, including political strife, wars, instability and severe economic downturns.

The First Lady encouraged women to hold onto this remembrance, saying it forms the foundation upon which they must stand while advocating for Uganda's future.

“As we look to scripture, we see God instructing the children of Israel to pass down the stories of His faithfulness to future generations,” she stated, encouraging them to keep their origins in mind and the blessings God has bestowed upon us, even in prayer for what’s to come.

She reminded women that this election season transcends politics and is a deeply spiritual time. Elections, she said, are crucial junctures in a nation's life, influenced not only by votes but also by the spiritual environment cultivated through prayer.

Throughout scripture, she noted that when God intended to change the course of a nation, He called upon intercessors. She referenced Abraham, Deborah and Hannah as examples of prayerful figures who altered their nations’ destinies.

In the same spirit, she said God is calling the women of Teso and Uganda to rise in prayer for the future of the country. Intercessors, she explained, act as the unseen shield of a nation, with prayers that silence the enemy, uproot violence and prepare voters’ hearts so that God's will prevails over human desires.

The First Lady, committed to supporting women and vulnerable groups, made a contribution of sh20 million to support the efforts, which was presented to DECODI.

In her remarks, Dr Magara underscored the role of women as builders of families and communities, citing Proverbs 14:1 and calling on women to rebuild the nation through prayer and skill development. As leader of Intercessors for Uganda, she urged women to rise as pillars of faith and courage dedicated to praying for the establishment of righteousness in the nation.

DECODI Chief Executive Officer Anna Akwango Elotu said the organisation initiated the inaugural prayer camp to unite different church denominations in the region for spiritual empowerment. She explained that the camp focused on interceding for peaceful campaigns and elections, noting that mothers and children suffer the most during election-related violence. Elotu expressed hope that God would raise leaders who are loving, selfless and committed to the advancement of Teso.

She added that “we refuse to elect leaders for shs5,000 or local brew ajono. We seek honest, God-fearing and hardworking leaders who will elevate Teso to new heights.”

Pastor Dr Betty Odongo, wife of the Archbishop of the National Fellowship of Born-Again Pentecostal Churches and vice leader of the Interreligious Council, said women’s prayers have the power to transform the nation and prevent conflict. She urged men to refrain from inciting violence during elections and to embrace peaceful voting.

Kapelebyong County MP Anthony Esenu also called on men to reject election violence, emphasising their role as heads of households, clans and communities. He expressed his belief that ongoing prayers held at State House have contributed to President Museveni's long tenure and the blessings upon the country.