Museveni Tips New Muhabura Diocese Bishop on Fighting Poverty

By Jane Elizabeth Umutangana 

KISORO: President of the republic of Uganda His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has asked the clergy to preach ways Christians can fight poverty in their households saying that poverty in Uganda is mainly caused by subsistence agriculture.

 

President Museveni asked the church to use the pulpits in preaching the message of social economic development  saying that believers  should take an example of Jesus who didn’t preach  the gospel alone but worked hard as he was  even was a carpenter saying that Poverty should be viewed as an affliction that must be fought.

 

“I call upon religious leaders to encourage the people to engage in commercial agriculture , industry , services and ICT  as government is ready to ensure and maintain peace.” President Museveni said.

 

This was contained in his speech read by the Vice President Rtd Major  Jessica Alupo at the consecration and enthronement of the Rt Rev Godfrey Mbitse as the third bishop of Diocese of Muhabura at St Andrews Cathedral Sseseme convention ground in Kisoro Municipality on Sunday.

 

President Museveni commended the church of Uganda  for   its efforts of fostering  unity among the people and being a reliable partner  of government  in the social economic development  and for mentoring leaders to serve the church and the country.

 

“I would like to thank church of Uganda for mentoring leaders to serve in the church and country and its efforts that it has made to bring unity and Development  among the people   “. Said President Museveni.

 

As is the norm, President Museveni donated a brand new Prado Land Cruiser to the new bishop and an undisclosed amount of cash.

 

His Grace the Most Rev.  Dr Stephen Kazimba Mugalu the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda who presided over the consecration,   appealed to all Ugandans to shun “evil” acts of same sex marriages, which have infiltrated   the nation calling upon all people that are engaged and support it to get saved.

 

Dr Kazimba asked the new bishop  Rt. Rev Mbitse to be humble and endurance as he handles Gods people in Muhabura Diocese as well to be a good listener and work with his predecessor saying that he will manage the diocese if he does so.

 

“ I ask you my brother Bishop Mbitse be humble and a good listener , spend less time on the past help the forge way and work with your predecessor you will manage spend less time on the past help to forge ahead“. Said  Dr Kazimba.

 

In his remarks, the Bishop Emeritus of Muhabura Diocese, the Rt Rev Cranmer Mugisha thanked God for the good Journey in Ministry since he was Ordained as a deacon in 1991. Bishop Cranmer appreciated the clergy and Christians of Muhabura Diocese for the support and love during his tenure as the Diocesan Bishop.

 

Rt Rev Mbitse pledged to collaborate with the government to improve standards of Church of Uganda founded schools, uplift health hygiene and sanitation, household income through commercial agriculture, intensive farming and promote food storage and marketing. Bishop Mbitse also promise to enhance human resource development, Environmental protection through forestation, focus on mission and Evangelism, children ministry, ministry to the youth, men and boy child and complete the construction of new cathedral under construction near the stage of roofing.

 

 

Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke the state Minister of Youth and children  pledged total support to the new bishop and thanked the outgoing bishop, Rt Rev Cranmer  Mugisha , for initiating a number of development projects for the church

 

The function was attended by both the current and retired bishops, and government officials such as  Rtd  Major  General  Jim  Muhwezi ( minister  of security ) Henry Musasizi  (State minister for Finance General Duties ), David Bahati (State minister for Industries), Col. Rtd Charles  Okello  Engola( Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations )Dr Philemon Mateke the former state  minister of regional cooperation  and other  leaders from kigezi.