President Yoweri Museveni has urged religious leaders to guide believers not only in their spiritual journey but also in working towards improved living standards.
“A relevant Christian ministry is one that inspires believers to aim for decent and improved standards of living,” said Museveni, in a message delivered by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo during a thanksgiving ceremony marking one year of Rt. Rev. Wilson Kisekka as Bishop of Luweero Anglican Diocese.
President Museveni cautioned against the tendency of some believers to neglect earthly responsibilities in pursuit of spiritual goals, leading to entrenched poverty and socio-economic stagnation.
He referenced Jesus Christ’s example of balancing spiritual ministry with practical service to humanity, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and working as a carpenter, urging Christians to emulate this model.
Museveni emphasized that a fulfilling life also requires meeting physical needs like food, shelter, healthcare, and education, which necessitate financial resources.
“You cannot obtain these necessities without money,” he said, urging households to shift from subsistence farming to income-generating activities in sectors like commercial agriculture, industry, services, and ICT.
Highlighting the NRM’s strategy for socio-economic transformation, the president said the focus is on infrastructure development, modernized agriculture, industrialization, and fostering patriotism and Pan-Africanism.
“We promote unity within Uganda through patriotism and advocate for East African and African integration to secure wider markets for our surplus commodities,” Museveni noted. “Uganda’s population of 46 million is too small to guarantee sustainable prosperity. That’s why we champion access to Africa’s 1.4 billion-strong market.”
Museveni pointed out that although the NRM has built a strong foundation for development, individual wealth creation must follow. “37% of Ugandan households remain trapped in subsistence farming. These must be transformed into wealth creators through commercial agriculture.”
He commended Luweero Diocese for partnering with government in advancing socio-economic transformation and applauded its projects that empower families and communities.
He congratulated Bishop Kisekka for his achievements and pledged continued government support, including a contribution of Shs30 million for the thanksgiving ceremony and Shs50 million towards the Shs2.5 billion Synod House construction project.
Bishop Kisekka reflected on a year marked by both blessings and challenges. He expressed gratitude for the unity and commitment shown by diocesan teams and acknowledged the existence of divisions, while emphasizing the diocese’s commitment to reconciliation and youth empowerment.
“We have continuously promoted love, unity, and outreach, particularly to the youth, ensuring their spiritual growth and addressing their concerns,” he said.
