President Museveni has advised religious leaders that while they concentrate on spiritual nourishment of their followers, equal concern for the physical needs of their faithfuls must also be taken into account.
He says while on earth, believers too; have physical needs that must be satisfied and these require money.
“A holistic and relevant ministry must express equal concern for the physical needs of the faithful. While here on earth, the believers too, have physical needs that must be satisfied. For example, the need for food, clothes, shelter, medicine” he noted.
He told religious leaders and their followers to emulate Jesus Christ who also besides performing his spiritual work, worked with his dad Joseph who was a carpenter.
“The Scriptures show that besides fasting and prayer, he also healed the physical ailments of the blind, lame, lepers, deaf, etcetera. He fed the hungry. He also earned his bread by working alongside his father, Joseph as a carpenter” he lectured.
This was during the Busoga Diocesan St. Mary’s Day at St. James Church-Jinja City where he was ably represented by Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo.
The Head of State noted that Jesus worked for both the spiritual and socio-economic uplift of his family and society, an attribute all Christians must emulate.
THANK YOU BUSOGA CLERGY
Museveni however, commended Religious leaders in Busoga for partnering with government to eliminate poverty by increasing household incomes.
He said this is a clear indication that the Church in Busoga cares about the material wellbeing of the believers.
“Spiritual nourishment is important; but, it is not the only aspect of the Christian ministry” Museveni noted in his speech delivered by the forever gorgeous Alupo who is also Katakwi district woman MP.
The General from Rwakitura noted that poverty in Uganda arises from the fact that 38% of the households are still engaged in subsistence farming where they work for only the stomach.
“This is dangerous because in addition to food, there are other human needs required to live a happy and long life. These human needs have a monetary value; m meaning they can only be obtained through the medium of money” he said.
Museveni advised that it is no longer sustainable for one to live outside the money economy and expect to attain a happy life.
He called for elimination of this type of farming because it is a recipe for poverty and backwardness.
He outlined four sectors where wealth and jobs can be created including commercial agriculture, industries, services and ICT.
“I urge the leaders to help our people to select profitable enterprises in any of these sectors. Once we solve the problem of poverty in the homes, Christians will be empowered to meaningfully contribute money to the Church Construction Projects” the president advised in a fatherly speech.
He thanked Bishop Paul Naimanhye for inviting him to the commemoration of the Busoga Diocesan St. Mary’s Day.
He also commended the leadership of Busoga Diocese Mothers for spearheading the construction of St. Mary’s House to which he generously contributed Shs50m which was religiously delivered by workholic Alupo.
