Museveni hails govt-church partnership in transforming Uganda
Museveni said that while working for Heaven, it is imperative for religious leaders to remind believers not to neglect their earthly responsibilities.
Hon. Beatrice Akello (3rd right), State Minister for Economic Monitoring pose for a photo with Pastor Kenneth Kato (4th left) and his wife Oliver (3rd left) and Pastor Kayanja (2nd right) and his wife (right) after commissioning Life Restoration Ministries. (PPU)
_________________
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has recognised the long-standing partnership between the Church and the government, especially in achieving the goal of socio-economic transformation of Uganda.
“While the most obvious task of the Church is the spiritual well-being of the people, the Church has also participated in carrying out developmental projects focused at enhancing the well-being of the communities,” he said.
Pastor Kenneth Kato of Life Restoration Ministries and his wife Oliver (R) welcoming Hon. Beatrice Akello, State Minister for Economic Monitoring for the commissioning of the church at Bujuko as Pastor Robert. (PPU)
Pastor Kenneth Kato (L) taking Hon. Beatrice Akello the State Minister for Economic Monitoring and Pastor Robert Kayanja (R) on a guided tour of Life Restoration Ministries church during its commissioning. (PPU)
The President made the remarks on Saturday in his speech delivered by the Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, Beatrice Akello Akori, during the official opening and dedication of the Life Restoration Ministries sanctuary in Nansana, Bujjuko.
Museveni said that while working for Heaven, it is imperative for religious leaders to remind believers not to neglect their earthly responsibilities.
“The Bible says that:…We are a colony of heaven on earth…” (Philippians Chapter 3, Verse 20). This is an important spiritual truth that implores Christians to be concerned with the affairs of the earth, as they prepare for the heavenly kingdom,” he said.
The President also said it was important to emphasise to believers that, in addition to seeking spiritual nourishment from the places of worship, they should also participate in income-generating activities to sustain their households.
“All believers should take the example of Jesus Christ, who, besides teaching, praying and fasting, was also a carpenter. He earned his bread as a carpenter. Therefore, religious leaders should use their pulpits to encourage believers to work towards poverty eradication.
“I want to use this occasion to re-echo the message of wealth creation at the household level. By prioritising expenditure on electricity, roads, schools, hospitals, peace and security, the visionary leadership of the NRM government has established a solid foundation for Uganda’s development and socio-economic transformation.”
However, according to Museveni, development alone is not enough: development is a collective good for everyone, but wealth and jobs belong to individuals, families, groups or companies.
“We should not have spectators in the drive towards increasing household incomes. The remaining 33 percent of the households which are still engaged in subsistence farming, that is working only for the stomach, must be mobilised to join the money economy,” he said.
“The four major sectors for creating wealth and jobs are commercial Agriculture, Industrialisation, Services and ICT. I call upon political, cultural and religious leaders to mobilise the communities to be wealth creators; and to guide our people to identify productive ventures in the above sectors.”
Pastor Kenneth Kato (L) taking Hon. Beatrice Akello the State Minister for Economic Monitoring and Pastor Robert Kayanja (R) on a guided tour of Life Restoration Ministries church during its commissioning. (PPU)
Hon. Beatrice Akello (C), State Minister for Economic Monitoring cuts the tape as she commissions Life Restoration Ministries Church auditorium at Bujuko on Saturday, April 25, 2026, as host Pastor Kenneth Kato (L) and Pastor Robert Kayanja look on. (PPU)
Hon. Beatrice Akello (C), State Minister for Economic Monitoring pose for a photo with Pastor Kenneth Kato (3rd left) and his wife Oliver (2nd left) and Pastor Robert Kayanja (5th right) and his wife (4th right) after commissioning Life Restoration Ministries. (PPU)
Saturday's function, of the official opening and dedication of the Life Restoration Ministries sanctuary, is an important milestone towards building God's kingdom, on earth.
On the other hand, Museveni commended Pastor Kenneth Kato Mwesigwa for spearheading the initiative to build a magnificent house for the Lord.
“I would also like to thank you for inviting me to take part in today’s dedication function. I thank Pastor Robert Kayanja for his tireless efforts in spreading the gospel; and helping to foster good relations between the Pentecostal Churches and the NRM government.”
Museveni also contributed sh30 million towards the good cause.
Pr Kayanja thanked the President for the way God has used him for harmony, peace and security in Uganda.
On his part, Pr Mwesigwa expressed gratitude to the government for the support and recognition, emphasising that the church’s mission goes beyond spiritual nourishment to include community outreach, youth empowerment, and charitable initiatives.
“We are truly grateful, and we would like to convey our thanks to the President for the freedom of worship,” he said, also commending the government for always supporting faith-based institutions.
The event featured prayers, gospel music performances, and messages from various religious leaders.