PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HAILS LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE CHURCH IN TRANSFORMING UGANDA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has recognised the long-standing
partnership between the Church and Government, especially in
achieving the goal of socio-economic transformation of Uganda.

“While the most obvious task of the Church is the spiritual well-being of
the people; the Church has also participated in carrying out
developmental projects focused at enhancing the well-being of the
communities,” he said.

The President made the remarks today in his speech delivered by the
Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, Hon. Beatrice Akello Akori
during the official opening and dedication of the Life Restoration
Ministries sanctuary at Nansana- Bujjuko.

He said while working for heaven it is imperative for religious leaders to
remind believers not to neglect their earthly responsibilities.

“The Bible says that:…We are a colony of heaven on earth…”
(Philippians Chapter 3, Verse 20) This is an important spiritual truth that
implores Christians to be concerned with the affairs of the earth, as they
prepare for the heavenly kingdom,” he said.

President Museveni added that it was important to emphasise to
believers that in addition to seeking spiritual nourishment from the

places of worship, they should also participate in income generating
activities to sustain their households.

“All believers should take the example of Jesus Christ, who besides
teaching, praying and fasting, was also a carpenter. He earned his bread
as a carpenter. Therefore, religious leaders should use their pulpits to
encourage the believers to work towards poverty eradication,” he said.

“I want to use this occasion to re-echo the message of wealth creation at
the household level.

By prioritizing expenditure on electricity, roads,
schools, hospitals, peace and security, the visionary leadership of the
NRM Government has established a solid foundation for Uganda’s
development and socio-economic transformation.”

However, according to President Museveni, development alone is not
enough; though it must come first, explaining that development is a
collective good for everyone; but wealth and jobs belong to individuals,
families, groups or companies.

“We should not have spectators in the drive towards increasing
household incomes. The remaining 33% of the households, which are
still engaged in subsistence farming, i.e. working only for the stomach,
must be mobilised to join the money economy,” he said.

“The four major sectors for creating wealth and jobs are commercial
Agriculture, Industrialization, Services and ICT. I call upon political,
cultural and religious leaders to mobilise the communities to be wealth
creators; and to guide our people to identify productive ventures in the
above sectors.”

Today’s function, of the official opening and dedication of the Life
Restoration Ministries sanctuary, is an important milestone towards
building God’s kingdom, on earth.

On the other hand, President Museveni commended Pastor Kenneth
Kato Mwesigwa, for spearheading the initiative to build a magnificent
house for the Lord.

“I would also like to thank you for inviting me to take part in today’s
dedication function. I thank Pastor Robert Kayanja for his tireless efforts
in spreading the gospel; and helping to foster good relations between
the Pentecostal Churches and the NRM government.”
President Museveni also contributed Shs30 million towards the good
cause.

Pastor Kayanja thanked President Museveni for the way God has used
him for harmony, peace and security in Uganda.

Pastor Mwesigwa expressed gratitude to the government for the support
and recognition, emphasizing that the church’s mission goes beyond
spiritual nourishment to include community outreach, youth
empowerment, and charitable initiatives.

“We are truly grateful and we would like to convey our thanks to the
President for the freedom of worship,” he said.

He also commended the government for always supporting the faith-
based institutions.

The event featured prayers, gospel music performances, and messages
from various religious leaders.