By Richard Onapatum
FORT PORTAL: President Yoweri Museveni has asked the Church to avoid infiltration that can sabotage the prevailing peace and security across the country.
“In this season and time, the church should not sleep but be watchful against any kind of infiltration that can sabotage the progress of not only the church but the entire peace and security of our nation,” Mr. Museveni said.
He said the beginning of the church in Uganda was faced with several resistances from the Governments of the time and that this was because of ideological misconceptions.
“Each institution looked at the other as an adversary and there was belief that paying allegiance to religion meant being a renegade to the state. The nation has successfully moved on from religious persecutions and the period when political parties were affiliated to religious denominations,” said the president.
He made the remarks in a speech delivered by the Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo at the closure of a week-long gospel crusade in Fort Portal yesterday July 28th, 2024.
It was organized by Pastor Imelda Namutebi of Liberty Worship Centre and Bishop Jimmy Katuramu of Unity Pentecostal Church international Uganda.
President Museveni told the congregation that the NRM government has successfully transformed the minds and understanding of Ugandans and that they are now ready to wage war on idleness and poverty especially amongst the youth in Uganda.
He said every Ugandan must engage in an activity that brings income to his household. “When we launched the armed struggle, our aim was to build a new political order that prioritizes peace, security and development; and the results can openly be seen,” he told the congregation.
It was a shame that by the time we took power in 1986, Uganda was one of the poorest countries in Africa and the entire vital infrastructure had broken down, Mr. Museveni said.
He assured the faithful that as a government they are still on the path by the strength of God to deliver Uganda to a glorious position! though they have not reached where we are going; we are not where we were.
The Head of State is glad that this nation is blessed with God fearing people and “we must all take on the mantle to serve God, pray and work hard for our nation basing on God’s principles of righteousness and justice to all mankind,” he said.
The president also asked the Church in Uganda to position itself to participate actively in the social transformation of society. “It is incumbent on you as the leaders at the helm of the church to fully appreciate your role in this process,” he said.
Mr. Museveni said church leaders must be fully aware of the legitimate needs and interests of humanity without bias or prejudice; and, above all, take the mantle of servanthood with the Bible as our reference for Christian instruction which is full of wisdom and knowledge.
“Our preachers should therefore learn the science of transmitting God’s word in the most digestible and practical manner to fulfill the economic vision of this country. It is indeed written in the scriptures that “my people perish due to lack of knowledge” he said.
The president said while the church has played its spiritual role and been a good partner in development with the Government in providing social services and relief to disadvantaged communities, the congregations as well, have a part to play in supporting the church in fulfilling its mission.
“Gone are the days when we used to expect aid or relief from foreign countries to develop ourselves. We must position ourselves economically to benefit our families and the church in various ways. That is how best we shall realize transformation especially at grass root level.”
Mr. Museveni further said that as a nation, for many years, we have been working towards economic progress using different themes that have been a foundation and a point of focus for the transformation of Uganda.
He said NRM Government has encountered success and registered progress in many sectors and we have continually been advocating for wealth creation among Ugandans using many forums like Emyooga, Parish Development Model and Operation Wealth creation.
The president asked the church to continue participating and fighting on until the nation realizes its objectives and urged them to work together with the government to banish poverty out of our households.
The president appreciated Pastor Imelda Namutebi Kula and Bishop Katuramu for their kind invitation and thanked the Almighty God for the milestones we have achieved as a nation and on individual basis.
“I believe that all has been by the Grace of God upon our nation and region to see that we prosper, develop and keep the banner of the word of God high according to his will and plans for this nation” he said.
Quoting the book of Daniel 11:32 (NKJV),
“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries, but the people who know their God shall be strong and do exploits”
The president said there’s therefore reason to gather here and showcase the great works of God in word and in deed to the people in Fort-Portal.
He commended Pastor Namutebi for the call of duty to shepherd God’s people in her church and for taking the gospel out of buildings and perfuming gospel outreaches.
He hailed all the people of Fort-Portal and nearby regions for heeding to the call to gather and listen to the word of God in such big numbers.
“This is a worthwhile cause and a testimony of peace and tranquility ushered in by the NRA/NRM leadership,” he said.
The president also commended all leaders that annually mobilise Ugandans for such outreaches to edify the souls of our people in order to cause both spiritual and physical transformation.
Namutebi applauded president Museveni and the NRM government for ushering in freedom of worship which has enabled people of different faiths to exercise their rights.
Bishop Katuramu in hisj summon, underscored the need for every stakeholder including the church to address the issue of moral degeneration and its social injustices
