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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 46601, member: 636"] Uganda's finance minister attacked church leaders who support his political rival. Henry Musasizi accused religious figures of trying to influence upcoming party elections. He warned clergy members they cannot win against the ruling National Resistance Movement. The minister spoke at a village meeting in Rubanda District. He promised to protect democratic values from religious interference. Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna endorsed Jogo Kenneth Biryabarema during a church service last month. The bishop urged Christians to vote for Biryabarema in July primary elections. Akanjuna said Biryabarema would bring better roads and schools to the area. Religious leaders have been telling people to vote against Musasizi. The minister called this behavior unacceptable sectarianism. Musasizi has served as a lawmaker since 2011 and wants to keep his job. Biryabarema used to lead the district government before challenging the minister. Young people and church groups support the challenger's campaign. The competition has created tension across the region. Both men belong to the same ruling party. Religious and ethnic divisions affect politics across southwestern Uganda. Church leaders rarely take sides in party elections. Musasizi said the ruling party will not allow religious interference. He promised fair and peaceful primary voting. The minister warned that division hurts the democratic process. Primary elections will take place on July 16 for all party candidates. The winner will represent the ruling party in 2026 national elections. Musasizi faces his strongest challenge in years from Biryabarema. Political observers watch the race closely. The outcome could change regional politics. [/QUOTE]

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