By: Ismael Kasooha
Hoima
President Yoweri Museveni has called upon the Church to continue sowing the seeds of love, unity, discipline, sacrifice, hard work, integrity and patriotism among the people.
The president’s message was contained in a speech delivered for him by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah during Golden Jubilee celebrations for Bunyoro Kitara Diocese held at St. Peter’s Cathedral Hoima in Hoima Oil city.
“I call upon the Church to continue sowing the seeds of love, unity, discipline, sacrifice, hard work, integrity and patriotism among the people. This is the backbone of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because we are all co-workers with Christ as the scriptures say,” said Museveni.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah being welcomed at the Golden Jubilee celebrations at St. Peters Cathedral Hoima where she represented the President of the Republic of Uganda
The president called upon the Christians to get rid of poverty from their homes.
“Families should utilize the available land to initiate commercial farming. The NRM Government’s mission is to enhance the pace of socio-economic development through implementing far-reaching changes in the livelihoods of the people of Uganda by transforming the Ugandan economy,” said Museveni.
The president commended the Church for its role in the socio-economic transformation of the country.
“The church in Uganda is credited for the great contribution in the provision of socio-economic services such as health, education, works of charity, poverty alleviation and income generating projects, relief services, peace building initiative efforts etc. The above have gone a long way to improve the living standards of our people. It is, therefore, difficult to divorce religious institutions from social sector, service delivery and development. This makes the work of the church formidable in the development process of our country,” noted the president.
He said 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 said early this year, he launched the Parish Development Model to integrate 3.5 million households that are currently in the subsistence economy into the money economy and to create wealth and jobs.
The Model is an extension of Government’s approach to development as prioritized under the Third National Development Plan (NDP III).
The church is also commended for its cardinal mission of fostering citizens’ morals.
“I urge the church leadership to continue the fight against all forms of corruption and to encourage the people to be whistle blowers of such unscrupulous behavior,” the statement read in part.
Once again, I wish you happy Golden Jubilee celebrations and wish you many more years of growth and development of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese.
(2L – R) State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs Hon. Jennifer Namuyangu, Archbishop og Church of Uganda Most Rev. Dr. Steven Kazimba Mugalu, Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Bishop of the Bunyoro Kirata Diocese Rt. Rev. Rt. Rev. Samuel Kahuma and PM Bunyoro Kingdom Andrew Byakutaga infront of Bishop’s House
“I thank the Church of Uganda for the good cooperation with government in delivering various services to the people you shepherd. I appreciate the organizers of this event under the leadership of Rev. Canon Eric Twine and all the people who have participated and given towards its success,” according to the statement.
He said that the milestone of the church of 50 years is a showcase of growth, courage, endurance, steadfastness and dedication to serving God.
“I therefore applaud all the Clergy and the board members who have walked the journey with Bunyoro Kitara Diocese since 1972,” noted the president.
During the celebrations more than 50 Christians who included former Bugahya County legislator Kiiza Rwebembera accepted Jesus Christ as their savior.
The president contributed sh200 million towards the Golden Jubilee celebrations and the Prime Minister also contributed 20 million shillings towards the establishment of an FM radio Station for the Diocese to preach the Gospel.
Over 110 million shillings was realized in cash and pledges.
The Church of Uganda Archbishop His Grace Dr. Steven Kazimba Mugalu warned Christians against involving tribalism in the ministry of God.
Kazimba said Christians have started developing the vice, taking the Church back in terms of development.
He added that in some areas, Christians conflict with Church leaders for their personal interest and that nowadays, Christians reject appointed church leaders on tribal grounds, insisting that the attitude is dangerous and ungodly.
“I had not gone to court for myself, but recently I went to court for the Church. Christians are not focused on God’s service, but on personal interest. You hear someone saying: ‘This one is not ours, where is he coming from? Bring ours so that we can also eat. But God’s ministry is not about eating,” he said.
Commissioning the Bishop’s House as a Jubilee monument at St. Peter’s Cathedral Hoima
He made the remarks while preaching as the main celebrant on October 30, 2022 at Duhaga, Hoima City West Division as Christians under the Bunyoro Kitara Diocese celebrated golden jubilee.
The diocese celebrated 50 years since it started on October 29, 1972.
The archbishop also condemned the grabbing of church land in the country especially in the oil rich region of Bunyoro.
“People are shameless and have resorted to grabbing Church land which is unacceptable and such people will be cursed by God,” said Kazimba.
The Prime Minister of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Andrew Byakutaga lauded the NRM government for the development of the Kingdom and promised to cooperate with the Church to develop the Kingdom.
The Bishop of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese Rt. Rev. Samuel Kahuma said that as the Church they appreciate what the government is doing to develop the country.
The celebrations were graced by Bishops from within and outside Uganda including those from Rwanda.
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