By Male Marvin
KAMPALA – President Yoweri Museveni has said preachers in Uganda should learn how to transmit God’s word in the most “comprehendible, digestible and practical manner.”
By so doing, Museveni says they will be able to fulfil the economic vision of this country.
“The bible, as our reference for Christian instruction, is full of wisdom and knowledge. Our preachers should therefore learn the science of transmitting God’s word in the most comprehendible, digestible and practical manner to fulfil the economic vision of this country,” the President said.
“This is possible because as religious leaders you are closer to the people. As you preach the word of God, please let our people learn how they can transform their families economically. Teach them how they can liberate themselves from poverty, disease, witchcraft and all vices that are not developmental,” he added.
The President’s remarks to Christians were delivered by the Deputy speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah during the 17th Passover Prayer celebration at Mandela National Stadium on Monday night.
The President thanked God for the milestones Uganda has achieved as a nation, and appreciated Dr Joseph Serwadda for the role he plays as presiding Apostle for the Born-again faith Federation
“I also appreciate all the born-again pastors and leaders of the faith-based congregation. I commend all religious leaders that annually mobilize Ugandans to welcome the year in faith-based congregations all over the country. I also hail all Ugandans for heeding to the call and gathering in such big numbers,” the President said.
“In this season and time the church should not sleep but be watchful against any kind of infiltration that may sabotage the progress of not only the church, but the entire peace and security of our nation,” he explained.
President Museveni asserted that Uganda has successfully moved on from religious persecution and the period when political parties were affiliated to religious denominations.
“You recall in the beginning the church was faced with several resistances from the political leaders of the time. Religious leaders were murdered in cold blood. Archbishop Janani Lumu and others were victims of the persecution.
“Freedom of worship was denied especially to the Pentecostal Christians and Born-again Churches. This was because of the ideological miss-conception by the leaders of that time. The state looked at religious institutions as adversaries and there was a belief that paying allegiance to religion meant being relegate to the state,” he said.
The prayer gathering was attended by several dignitaries including Hon. Lady Justice Catherine N. Bamugemereire her husband George Bamugemereire who is the deputy inspector general of government. Others were the Minister of state for tourism, Hon Godfrey Kiwanda Ssubi and Hon Cecilia Atim Ogwal, Woman MP for Dokolo county.
Further more in his remarks delivered by the deputy speaker, President Museveni said the NRM government has successfully transformed the minds and understanding of Ugandans, adding that they no-longer confuse religion and politics.
“Though we have not reached where we are going, we are not where we are. We have made great strides to develop our country. I am glad this nation is blessed with God loving people and we must all take on the mantle to serve God and our nation basing on God’s principles of righteousness and justice to mankind.
Museveni said the Church in Uganda should position itself to participate actively in the social economic activities of society. He explained that it is incumbent upon Christian leaders at the helm of the Church to fully appreciate their role in this process.
“You must be fully aware of the legitimate needs and interests of humanity without bias or prejudice and above all take the mantle of servanthood,” he said.
“If you are not in the know of what to do, you lag behind. It is written in scripture that my people perish because of lack of knowledge. While the church has played its spiritual role, and been a good partner in development with government, in providing social services and relief, to our disadvantaged communities, the believers also have a role to play in supporting the church in fulfilling its mission,” he continued.
“As government in this term of offie we are emphasising hard work in order to banish poverty put of our households. You should pray to God and also work hard. These are the tried and tested bible principles. As mentioned in the second letter of Saint Paul, 2 Thessalonians 3:10; For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat,” he said.
“Hard work is therefore a command from God. We have continuously been advocation for wealth creation – in order for all Ugandans to improve their livelihood. In addition, the bible encourages us to write our own vision as illustrated in the book of Habakkuk 1:2-3; Then the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end, and will not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and not delay,” he said.
Adding, “The above is very inspiring and the vision the NRM government has for Uganda will not lie but surely will come to pass. Gov’t together with the national planning authority have already laid out the vision to all government ministry departments and agencies and stake holders.”
