By: Ismael Kasooha
RUKUNGIRI
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged religious leaders to continue partnering with Government in the wealth creation campaigns to eliminate poverty.
“I commend religious institutions for the role played in mobilization to raise people’s standards of living and their efforts to promote unity and harmony among the people in society. 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 other human needs of the faithful,” noted Museveni.
The new Bishop of Kigezi Rev. Onesmas Ngoboka Byengoma welcoming the Prime Minister in Rukungiri district for the consecration on Friday
He said that as believers, we have other human needs that must be satisfied that include food, clothes, shelter, education and medicine; and failure to attain these, one is considered to be living in poverty.
“Therefore, I call upon all Religious leaders to continue partnering with Government in the Wealth Creation campaigns to eliminate poverty,” the emphasized.
This was contained in the President’s message delivered for him by the Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah, the Prime Minister of Uganda at the consecration of the Kigezi Region Bishop for the National Fellowship of the Born Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda Rev. Onesimus Byengoma Ngoboka.
Hundreds of the Born again Pentecostals and local leaders gathered at Rukungiri Main Stadium to witness the historical consecration of their Son Onesimus Ngoboka.
The consecration ceremony was presided over by the Archbishop of the Pentecostal churches in Uganda Dr. Moses Odongo.
The new Bishop of Kigezi Rev. Onesmas Ngoboka Byengoma and other diginatries welcoming the Prime Minister in Rukungiri district for the consecration on Friday
Bishop Onesimus Ngoboka will oversee the region comprising of the Districts of Kanungu, Rukungiri, Rukiga, Kabale, Rubanda, Kisoro and 3 municipalities.
The President lauded Bishop Ngoboka for serving humankind diligently.
“I would like to thank the Bishop for selflessly serving Kigezi region with great vision and commitment towards nurturing the spiritual lives of the believers and also driving them towards development in this short period,” he noted.
Museveni said that the NRM government had come up with several programs like Emyooga, Parish Development Model, Youth Fund and many other Projects to eliminate poverty in our communities.
“38% of Uganda’s population, are still engaged in subsistence farming. They are still working for food only (kukolera ekidda kyonka, kukorera enda yonka). This is dangerous because in addition to food, there are other human needs required to live a happy and long life,” he noted.
The President said that subsistence farming should, therefore, be eliminated because it is a recipe for poverty and backwardness.
Museveni highlighted on four sectors where wealth and jobs can be created. These include: commercial agriculture, industries, services and ICT.
“I, therefore, urge leaders to help our people by encouraging them to go for commercial agriculture and also engage in other profitable ventures that can increase their household income so as to enter the money economy,” he said.
The Prime Minister planting a tree after commissioning Graceland Academy primary school and a multi-purpose Library for the skilling center all built by Bishop Onesmus Byengoma Ngoboka
Museveni called upon the believers of Kigezi region to work together in unity and also work closely with the Bishop towards spiritual growth and social economic transformation.
The President congratulated Bishop Byengoma Ngoboka upon this great milestone in the spiritual realm and wished him the best as he serves.
The consecration ceremony was preceded by the commissioning of Graceland Academy Primary School and a multi-purpose Library for the skilling center all built by Bishop Onesmus Byengoma Ngoboka.
Ngoboka, a Journalist by profession, resolved to serve the Lord through proclaiming the Gospel and his works have paid off when National Fellowship of the Born Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda elected him as Bishop of Kigezi region in western Uganda.
Bishop Ngoboka in his maiden speech, thanked the Lord for lifting him to this task.
Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, the Minister for Security and Rujumbura area Member of Parliament thanked the born again believers for their support to the government and the unification of the people.
Geoffrey Kyomukama, the Rukungiri LC V Chairperson hailed the good working relationship among the different denominations spearheaded by the inter-religious council of Uganda.
The Archbishop of the Pentecostal churches in Uganda Dr. Moses Odongo commended the NRM government for the freedom of worship ushered when it came to power that has seen people worship freely.
End
