Kampala — President Yoweri Museveni has asked the clergy to keep out of politics.

"It is not wise for them to interfere in politics when they have enough lubimbi [assignment] to do," Mr Museveni said during a radio talk show on Saturday.

The Uganda Joint Christian Council, which brings together Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox bishops, on 2 June issued a statement warning against a proposed amendment of the Constitution to allow Mr Museveni to seek a third term for which he is not eligible under the present two five-year term limit.

Mr Museveni is supposed to retire in 2006 having served two such terms, but the Movement National Executive Committee and the National Conference have proposed a constitutional amendment to remove the term limits.

On Saturday, however, President Museveni told the bishops to address themselves to moral issues and keep out of politics.

He said even the army, which played significant roles during Mr Museveni's election campaigns in 1996 and 2001, should now keep out of politics.

"Bishops are like traditional leaders who are not supposed to engage in politics. Even the army, with the opening up to political parties, it must stop participation," Mr Museveni said.