Summary:
- President Museveni praised the Soroti Diocese for its participation in community healthcare programs, including immunization against deadly diseases, antenatal care for expectant mothers, family planning, and HIV/AIDS education.
SOROTI: President Yoweri Museveni has urged the church to continue educating communities about the dangers of HIV/AIDS, a disease he says has taken a significant toll on the country’s productive population.
“We cannot campaign enough against the HIV/AIDS scourge, which has taken most of our productive people and left child-headed homes,” President Museveni stated.
He called on the clergy to utilize every opportunity, including sermons, pastoral visits, and conferences, to raise awareness and campaign against the disease.
The President’s remarks were delivered by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo during a thanksgiving service commemorating the five-year anniversary of the Rt. Rev. Kosea Odongo’s enthronement as Bishop of Soroti Diocese. The vibrant event took place at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Soroti Diocese on June 16, 2024.
President Museveni praised the Soroti Diocese for its participation in community healthcare programs, including immunization against deadly diseases, antenatal care for expectant mothers, family planning, and HIV/AIDS education.
He emphasized that the spiritual revival within the church should continue to drive socio-economic transformation.
The President congratulated Bishop Odongo on his achievements since his enthronement and expressed hope that he would continue to inspire positive change.
“Today we thank God for enabling his servant to lead the people in Soroti Diocese and all those seeking his counsel. He has nurtured and guided God’s people, and today’s milestone is a testament to his wisdom and reliance on God for strength,” President Museveni said.
He commended the Soroti Diocese for its contributions to community development, both spiritually and socio-economically, and extended his appreciation to the Church of Uganda.
Addressing the congregation, President Museveni highlighted the NRM government’s commitment to eradicating poverty through hard work and engagement in income-generating activities, while the government focuses on major infrastructure projects in energy, oil and gas, railways, roads, and ICT.
The President noted the introduction of initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and Operation Wealth Creation to help Ugandans lift themselves out of poverty. Additionally, the government is supporting artisan groups with equipment, empowering women through the Women Entrepreneurship Program, and providing skills training for the youth via the State House Skilling program and Presidential skilling hubs across various regions.
He emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to these programs until the lives of Ugandans are transformed, urging religious leaders, educators, policymakers, and development stakeholders to work collectively towards eradicating poverty and improving household incomes.
“You should take advantage of the available land and modern agricultural techniques to improve yields, even if you are engaged in subsistence farming,” President Museveni advised.
Dr. Kenneth Ongalo-Obote congratulated Bishop Odongo and praised all partners and stakeholders for their contributions to the Diocese’s development projects. He expressed optimism that continued strategic planning would benefit the community, regardless of religious affiliation.
