By Patriot corps
KALAKI DISTRICT; President Yoweri Museveni has contributed Shs.30m in cash towards the construction of Abalang Centre church in Kalaki district and called upon Christians to carry each other’s burden.
“This fundraising occasion presents to all of us a challenge and a call for us to carry each other’s burden in service by giving part of our proceeds to God,” Mr. Museveni said in a speech delivered by the Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo
The president said gone are the days when the church was fully dependent on the believers for the survival of its leaders and the welfare of church activities.
“I am optimistic that this project of our focus today will reduce the dependency of the church on the faithful,” he said.
The president appreciated the role played by the church in reaching out to the masses through social reconstruction and development for many years in Uganda.
He explained that the church has through charitable projects that offer services to the people like; hospitals, financial institutions/banks, homes for the underprivileged, peace building initiative efforts, schools and digging safe water services; has upheld its banner of ministering to the people and spreading the gospel in deed and leading by example.
“It is, therefore, practically difficult to divorce religious institutions from social sector service delivery and development not only in Uganda but also throughout a large part of the African continent. This makes the work of the church formidable in the development process of our country and Africa in general,” Mr. Museveni said.
The Fountain of honour noted that the NRM government values with gratitude this formidable contribution and will continue supporting church development initiatives of this nature.
“This is because by supporting the church, we are directly synergizing the development of the nation in general; hence, offering a blueprint for generations to come,”
The president told the gathering that since 1986, they have been struggling with economic recovery, expansion, diversification and transformation. “Although the Country has been faced with economic shocks, household businesses have responded positively to Government investment in especially infrastructure and the various wealth creation initiatives,” he said.
He further said this means that the Government’s effort to create wealth at household level, is taking root. We are registering progress in the initiatives that we created to help elevate our people and eradicate poverty from households.
He assured the congregation that in the Manifesto of 2021–2026, the NRM promised to use the Parish Development Model (PDM) to integrate 3.5 million households that are currently in the subsistence economy into the money economy and to create wealth and jobs.
Mr. Museveni was glad that The PDM programme has succeeded in bringing down the households outside the money economy from 68% to the present figure of 39%. The Parish Development Model is an extension of the Government’s approach to development as prioritized under the Third National Development Plan (NDP III).
He emphasized that in order to achieve prosperity for all, which is the major goal of the government, it is imperative that we prudently and sustainably manage the abundant resources that God has blessed us with. He also called upon the church to take it upon itself to continually fight primitive customs and superstitions that keep our people backward.
He saluted the church leadership of Soroti diocese under the stewardship of the Rt. Rev. Kosea Odongo for the work he has been doing over the years of upholding the work of God and nurturing the people unto physical and spiritual well-being.
The president emphasized his message to the congregation by quoting the book of Hebrews 13:16 which says “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
When you do God’s work faithfully and that of His people, God does your work and prospers you beyond measure. I believe we shall have a magnificent church in the near futurre to serve the community better.
He finally called upon friends and all people of good will to support this noble cause of fundraising for Abalang center church and always remember that God loves a cheerful giver.
Bishop Kosea in his message thanked President Museveni for his endless heart of giving without segregation.
While quoting 2 Corinthian9:7 the man of God urged christians to give as they have decided in their hearts. “Do not give reluctantly or under compulsion, as for God loves a cheerful giver,” bishop Kosea said.