Join us to fight corruption, Gen. Katumba rallies church
"We must stop giving the fight against corruption lip service. It is something we all talk about, but now is the time to act. Resources meant to improve the lives of our people should be put to proper use," Katumba said.
Katumba thanked the Archbishop for delivering what he described as a timely and inspiring message and commended the organisers for ensuring that health guidelines were observed throughout the event. (Credit: Richard Sanya)
KAMPALA - The Minister of Public Service-designate, Gen. Katumba Wamala, has called on religious leaders and Ugandans at large to join hands with the government in the fight against corruption, describing the vice as one of the biggest obstacles to the country's development.
Speaking while representing the government during the virtual Martyrs Day celebrations at the Anglican Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo on Wednesday (June 3), Gen. Katumba said the fight against corruption requires collective action and should not be left to government institutions alone.
"We must stop giving the fight against corruption lip service. It is something we all talk about, but now is the time to act. Resources meant to improve the lives of our people should be put to proper use," he said.
The event was presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba, and organised by Uganda Christian University. (All Photos by Richard Sanya)
The celebrations, held under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs), commemorated the sacrifice of the Uganda Martyrs, who gave up their lives because of their Christian faith.
The event was presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba, and organised by Uganda Christian University.
Katumba thanked the Archbishop for delivering what he described as a timely and inspiring message and commended the organisers for ensuring that health guidelines were observed throughout the event.
Drawing lessons from the lives of the Martyrs, Katumba said their unwavering commitment and sacrifice should inspire modern-day Ugandans to place national interests above personal gain.
"The Martyrs sacrificed their lives because of what they believed in. Today, many of us are not even willing to sacrifice small things that could benefit our communities and the nation," he said.
He cited instances where people resist giving up small portions of land for public infrastructure projects such as road expansion, despite the long-term benefits such developments bring to communities.
According to Katumba, Uganda's progress depends on citizens embracing a culture of selflessness and service.
He urged Ugandans to contribute to national development by supporting initiatives that improve livelihoods and strengthen social cohesion.
The minister also appealed for unity among Ugandans, calling on citizens to put aside political, religious and other differences that continue to divide society.
"God blessed us with a beautiful country. However, we sometimes fail to appreciate this gift because we spend too much time focusing on what divides us instead of what brings us together," he said.
He noted that the country had successfully gone through an electoral process and that the period of political competition was now over.
"The elections are behind us. Now it is time for all Ugandans to work together and focus on building our nation. We must dedicate ourselves to improving our lives and developing our country," he added.
The minister further applauded the Church leadership for its efforts in preserving and developing the Anglican Martyrs Shrine at Namugongo.
He also recognised the role played by Uganda Christian University (UCU) and other partners in improving the shrine's infrastructure and attractiveness to pilgrims and visitors.
Kaziimba commended the government for not only contributing sh2b towards the Martyrs Day celebrations, but also procuring a modern public address system for the site.