Assessing the role of community based dialogue in resolving religious intolerance in Uganda: a case of Born Again Christians and Tabliq Muslims in Kampala City

Abstract

The study investigated the role of Community-based dialogue in the resolving of Religious Intolerance in Uganda between the Born-Again Christians and the Tabliq Muslims in Kampala City. Increased complaints and tensions between these two religious groups prompted this study. It was guided by three main objectives: to establish the nature of religious intolerance between Born Again Christians and Tabliq Muslims in Kampala City, to explore different community-based dialogue initiatives that may be put in place to resolve this intolerance, and to identify ways in which community-based dialogue can be improved as a tool for resolving religious intolerance between these groups. A total of 110 respondents were selected from the five divisions of Kampala. The sample included leaders of the communities at both Muslim Tabliq and Born-Again Christians. The Research Design used were: Exploratory and Explanatory because the researcher needed to explore and describe the several aspects of the nature of intolerance while explaining its causes from both the Born-Again Christians and Muslim Tabliq. Methods used were interviews, focus group discussions and observation. Some important results of the study were: Religious intolerance was verbalized in the form of hate speech, negative generalizations, verbal insults, and demeaning language. However, findings from the study show that an agreement on extreme intolerance that invades physical violence and direct violations of religious freedom was not reached .The Inter-Religious council of Uganda's objective to promote peace, reconciliation, good governance and a holistic human development through interfaith action has not been able to fully reach masses at the grassroots hence much had to be done, proving the complexity of the matter. Some of the findings as regards religious intolerance were competitors for followers, economic inequities, doctrinal differences, and aggressive proselytism. Some of the recommendations included Leadership and community efforts that were instrumental in fostering mutual knowledge and collaboration. Education and shared values were seen as critical for mitigating religious intolerance in Kampala City. Based on the conclusions established in the findings, the study came up with certain recommendations, among which included advocating for education on issues to do with religious tolerance, Re-training of Religious leaders and giving them licensed certificates so that they don't spread proselytism hence stepped up efforts against its extreme forms, scaling up training in conflict resolution, promoting cultural exchange programs, ensuring diverse participation in dialogue initiatives, and stepping up government support and legislation.