By Richard Onapatum
SOROTI: The Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach has today ordained two Deacons at St. Peter’s Parish in Soroti district.
The Deacons included Moses Okaki of Olio Parish and Marcel Ajoket of Koloin Parish.
The Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo represented President Yoweri Museveni at the colourful ceremony held at St. Peter’s Parish, Olio Primary School Grounds.
The function also saw a fundraising ceremony held for the construction of Regina Caeli Cathedral and St. Peters Parish.
In his Speech, President Museveni thanked the Church for its continued partnership with Government in uplifting our people’s standards of living through construction of schools, hospitals.
Mr. Museveni said this is a clear indication that the Church cares about the material needs of the believers. “Spiritual nourishment is important; but, it is not the only aspect of the Christian ministry. A holistic and relevant ministry must express equal concern for the physical needs of the faithful.” the President said.
He said while here on earth, the believers too, have physical needs that must be satisfied for example the need for food, clothes, shelter, medicine.
He therefore, called upon all Religious leaders to join hands with Government in the wealth creation campaign to eliminate poverty.
Museveni stressed that poverty, in Uganda, arises from the fact that 39% of the households are still engaged in subsistence farming.
“They are still working only for food. This is dangerous because in addition to food, there are other human wants required to live a happy and long life.” he said.
Museveni explained that human needs have a monetary value and they can only be obtained through the medium of money.
The commander in chief said it is no longer sustainable for one to live outside the money economy and expect to attain a happy life.
“Subsistence farming should be eliminated because it is a recipe for poverty and backwardness,” he ordered.
He said there are four sectors where wealth and jobs can be created and these include: commercial agriculture, industries, services and ICT. I urge leaders to help our people to select profitable enterprises in any of these sectors.
Government has also rolled out a massive program of the Parish Development Model, which is aimed at increasing productivity and profitability of agricultural output.
The president said once we solve the problem of poverty in the homes, Christians will be empowered to meaningfully contribute money to the Church Construction Projects.
He encouraged all the faithful and well-wishers to participate in the fundraising ceremony and contributed Sh60m.
The vice president contributed Sh20m towards the cause and urged believers to heed to the bishop’s call of praying without ceasing.
Bishop Eciru congratulated the new deacons and urged them to be messengers of Jesus Christ and always seek advise from the church.
The ceremony was attended by hundreds of christians including politicians from Teso sub region.
