President Museveni has urged religious leaders to lead by example in the fight against poverty among Christians. Speaking at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine during the commemoration of Uganda Martyrs Day, Museveni emphasized the importance of religious leaders influencing their followers through action, not just words.
“Maama Janet and I joined believers at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine for the Martyrs Day Celebrations. I welcome the pilgrims, some of whom walked long distances as a demonstration of their commitment to the Christian faith. I salute our brothers and sisters who have traveled from outside Uganda including our mother, Maama Nyerere. Mr. Museveni said.
“How can you Christians fail to influence people? By example, not only just by talking and soul, but by doing so to become an example to others to copy you,” he urged.
Quoting the parable of talents, Museveni encouraged religious leaders to use their God-given talents to influence others. “I emphasize the Parable of the talents where people were given talents, one multiplied them, another one kept them, and another one lost the talents. And when the Messiah came, he thanked the one who multiplied the talents.” He added, “You the believers, you must multiply your talents. I don’t think it is correct to have Christians and believers living in poverty, I don’t think this is correct.”
Museveni also implored religious leaders to work with the government in spreading the gospel of fighting poverty from homes. He cited Latin America as an example of a region where people are religious but still live in poverty.
“If you go to Latin America, many of those countries are Christian countries, there are very many Christians there, but the people are living in poverty in those countries. You see them walking on foot going to the United States through for prosperity.”
Regarding corruption, Museveni acknowledged that it is on the rise in Uganda and promised to address it in his upcoming speech on June 6th. “I will talk more about it on June 6th,” he said. He also thanked the Nebbi Diocese for their beautiful animation and pledged government support for the ongoing construction at Namugongo Parish.
Finally, Museveni warned those who focus on homosexuality, saying they don’t understand that Uganda is a land of martyrs. “If you want to play around, you play around with Uganda. You will see, you will not like it.” He added, “If you want to talk about homosexuality, you are playing with fire. You will get burnt.”
