President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cautioned Christians who he says hide inactivity behind prayer, hoping things will get better without taking any action themselves.
He has attributed the habit to Church leaders “who preach misleading sermons in which they purport believers can become prosperous even without working.”
The President had attended the thanksgiving service for Hon Beti Kamya, which also doubled as the 85th birthday celebration for her mother, Margaret Kamya.
The function also served as a fundraiser for Mackay Martyrs Church in Wakaliga, Nateete.
“Some of the youth tend to think that they don’t have to work once they go to a pastor for prayers. So, they sit and stay idle,” President Museveni said, noting that this is frustrating State efforts to get masses out of joblessness and poverty.
Museveni urged religious leaders to preach developmental sermons.
“I urge the clergy to join government in preaching the gospel against household poverty. Teach your congregations to work hard to eradicate poverty. Hoping for miraculous wealth instead of hard work is dangerous,” he stressed, according to a statement from State House.
On the question of urban crime, Museveni assured Ugandans that the spate of abductions and murders will be defeated.
“Just like we defeated Kony, cattle rustling and terrorism, we shall defeat this recent spate of organised crime. For example, we have arrested the criminals who were behind the abduction and murder of the young lady Susan Magara. We shall arrest anyone who is involved in these crimes and bring them to book,” he said.
“These crimes are partly happening because of population explosion especially in urban areas. The government is committed to the installation of closed circuit camera surveillance systems in towns and on streets to help in the fight against urban crime,” he added.
The President urged Christians to contribute generously to the church project which he said will serve as a monument in commemoration of Alexander Mackay, “who played a big part in introducing Christianity to Uganda.”
“I will also make my contribution. Religious sites should be treated the same way as historical installations,” Museveni said.
By UG Christian News Correspondent.
