The Minister of Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, has commended religious leaders for using their pulpits to spread President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s message of wealth creation, urging Christians to work hard and actively participate in Uganda’s money economy.
Speaking on Saturday during a joint wedding ceremony at St. Paul’s Church of Uganda, Nangara Parish in Nyamweru Sub-county, Rubanda East County, Rubanda District, Minister Musasizi underscored the importance of hard work in transforming households.
The ceremony united two couples: Mr Godfrey Byomuhangi, Secretary of Rujanjara Village LC.1 and Ms Prossy Turyahikayo, alongside Mr Happy Masiko and Ms Allen Tumukaratire of Ikamiro Village, Bigungiro Parish.
Minister Musasizi noted that approximately 33 percent of Ugandans remain outside the money economy, a situation he described as a barrier to household development and national growth.
He urged citizens to take advantage of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) to fight poverty.
“I want to thank Reverend Ayebare for preaching the gospel of wealth creation,” the minister said. “The Bible was written long ago, but those who wrote it foresaw the world we live in today. As Rev. Ayebare emphasized, I also urge you, especially newlyweds and other families, to work hard and fight poverty in your homes.”
Minister Musasizi expressed optimism that more Ugandans are heeding President Museveni’s call and embracing government programs designed to improve livelihoods.
He was particularly encouraged when congregants raised their hands to indicate they had benefited from the PDM.
“This shows that Ugandans are embracing the program,” he remarked. “I reiterate this call and appeal to you to be role models in your communities by demonstrating development and progress.”
The minister also emphasized the importance of building stable and prosperous families through productive enterprises.
He stressed that the government has already laid the foundation for profitability through supportive policies, but it is up to citizens to seize these opportunities.
“Government has created enabling conditions for business,” Musasizi explained. “Now it is the responsibility of Ugandans to transform these advantages into jobs and wealth at the household level. Remaining trapped in subsistence farming will not help us move forward.”
He further pledged to continue supporting President Museveni in building a strong economy that ensures job creation and income-generating opportunities for Ugandans.
“We even want the elite to start using their hands productively regardless of their social status,” he added.
Looking ahead, Minister Musasizi revealed plans to monitor the progress of government-funded projects.
“After the nomination exercise in October, I will invite all those who received PDM funds and visit their projects. We want to ensure these investments are bearing fruit before President Museveni’s visit,” he said.
In his sermon, Reverend Just Ayebare, Treasurer of the Diocese of Kigezi, echoed the call for hard work, urging Christians to distance themselves from laziness.
“Christians should work hard to generate household income,” Reverend Ayebare said. He condemned youth indulgence in gambling and alcoholism, warning that such behaviors turn them into “liabilities to their families and communities.”
The cleric further emphasized that subsistence farming remains a critical entry point into the money economy. “We need a generation of hardworking people who can embrace farming as a stepping stone into financial independence,” he said.
Reverend Ayebare concluded by warning that government programs aimed at eradicating poverty would not succeed without a shift in personal attitudes. “Government initiatives will not yield results if beneficiaries themselves do not embrace hard work,” he cautioned.
