Uganda (MNN) — More than 21 million people voted yesterday in Uganda, as human rights groups decried tight security and a nationwide internet shutdown.
“Whenever there’s an election year, there’s always that tension that rises,” Voice of the Martyrs Canada’s Stephen Wesley says.
“It is an opportune time for us to be praying for Uganda.”
Uganda’s current president, Yoweri Museveni, is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, winning every election since 1996. Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known widely as Bobi Wine poses the biggest threat to Museveni securing a fifth term.
Mr. Luyimbazi Nalukoola talks with musician and politician Hon Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, in 2019.
(Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0)
Military patrolled the streets of the capital and secured Wine under lockdown at his home while votes were cast and then counted.
“Eyes are on Uganda more now than ever before, and I think President Museveni is aware of that,” Wesley says.
Elections also took place amid increased persecution. Previously known as a haven for Christians in East Africa, Uganda is seeing more attacks targeting believers.
“You’re seeing an increase because the arm of Islam [trying to] control and prevent the spread of the Gospel is real. As the government does get more involved, and the police, that will help stem the tide [of persecution,]” Wesley says.
“That is definitely on the heart of Museveni; he wants Uganda to be known as a place [with] freedom of worship.”
Ask the Lord to fill believers’ hearts with peace to rest in Him and boldness to continue to share the Gospel.
“They are not necessarily praying that it (persecution) end, but that they would be able to be strong, stand up under it, and have resilience and courage in the face of it,” Wesley says.
“As they have that strength from the Holy Spirit to endure, they know that the Gospel will win in the end.”
Header image depicts President Museveni addressing crowds during the commissioning of Hamz Stadium. (Wikimedia Commons)
