The National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer, Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo, has urged religious leaders to complement government efforts in wealth creation, poverty eradication and promoting national unity.
Speaking at a fundraising dinner organised by Kazo Seventh-day Adventist Church at Hotel Africana on Thursday, Nekesa called on church leaders to guide their congregations towards government wealth creation programmes and encourage households to engage in income-generating activities.
“Faith is central to our lives, but economic empowerment is equally important in enabling believers and churches to fulfil their responsibilities. Fighting poverty in our homesteads is not an option,” she said.
Nekesa commended the NRM government for safeguarding freedom of worship, describing it as an achievement that should be protected. She also challenged religious leaders to use their influence to discourage sectarianism and promote unity across religious, ethnic and political divides.
“Where there is no peace, there can be no meaningful unity, and without unity, development becomes difficult,” she said.
She added that Uganda’s stability had enabled the country to withstand public health challenges, including Ebola, nodding disease and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nekesa urged religious institutions to continue praying for the country while mobilising their congregations to embrace government development programmes.
She noted that improved household incomes enable families to meet their basic needs, support church activities and contribute to community development.
The fundraising dinner aimed to raise Shs150 million to purchase land adjoining the church for expansion, construction of a pastor’s residence and provision of parking facilities.
Nekesa commended the church leadership for the initiative, saying strong religious institutions play an important role in shaping responsible citizens and promoting social and moral development.
