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The Vicar of Namugongo Martyrs Church of Uganda, Rev. Esau Bbosa Kimanje, has called upon all Christians not to be intimidated by the World Bank, emphasising that Uganda, as a God-fearing country, will not be lured into sin.

According to Kimanje, with or without World Bank money, Ugandans will remain faithful servants of the Lord, and look for other financing alternatives which will not lure the country into sinning.

“Though we are being intimidated by the World Bank, what the bank is propagating is sin. We pray God enables us to remain faithful servants, and more so uphold our Central Bank to open other avenues where we are not going to be lured into sin,” explained Kimanje.

The World Bank suspended funding to Uganda following the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023.

Kimanje made the remarks during a service held at Namugongo Martyrs Church on Sunday, August 20, that brought together church members who are finance professionals.  

The church’s finance fellowship engages bankers, insurers, microfinance institutions, fund managers, auditors, and accountants to share their opportunities, experiences, and skills and to grow as a church.

During the service, Kimanje said the rampant corruption in the country is due to finances.

“We are corrupt because of finances. We lose our faith and hope because of finances. Besides that, we also cease to be good and torture others because of finances,” he noted.

Since poverty is bad and leads to sin, Kimanje urged all Christians to get some income and enlarge their territories. Additionally, he requested God to forgive those who are corrupt and guide them as they handle finances in the departments God has entrusted them with.

“Let your people be good stewards, good managers of what You have entrusted them with. In the finance sector, we pray that You make them righteous and exemplary people as they serve You. We also pray to God against all kinds of corruption, and evil so that good accountability is given,” he stated.

Reverend Esau Bbosa Kimanje, Namugongo Martyrs Church of Uganda Vicar prays for the congregation at Namugongo Martyrs Church of Uganda on August 20, 2023. (All Photos by Juliet Kasirye)

Please God

While ministering the word of God to the congregation, the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Michael Atingi-Ego, advised Christians to not only use the talent God has given them but also let their light shine through their generosity and also be problem solvers.

“Let us rely on God’s guidance to help us prepare for the future by doing everything unto God, and not unto men. Let us exploit our talents to the extreme so that people see the good coming out of us,” Atingi-Ego said.

“Do what is pleasant to God regardless of the consequences. If the system is not correct, it is your responsibility to correct the system regardless of the consequences. Don’t be a man-pleaser, be a God-pleaser,” he told Christians.

Since the world is surrounded by darkness, Atingi-Ego focused his message on Mathew 5:14-16. “Let your light shine before others so that they may see the good deeds and glorify God in heaven.”

In addition, Atingi-Ego also asked Christians to forgive those who create darkness around them. Instead of seeking revenge or hatred, he said they should seek God’s intervention because darkness does not overcome the light.

Citing the book of Galatians 6:8-10, Atingi-Ego said “As long as you have the opportunity, always do well to all people who hate, prosecute you to keep your light shining.” 

During the service, the head of the laity of Namugongo Martyrs Church of Uganda, Donald Kasasa, appreciated the Aingi-Ego for sharing the wonderful message about the light.

According to Kasasa, light for others implies that you use your talent for the development of others by giving them the literacy that requires them to become better people and support each other in growing their skills.

“For instance, financial literacy is about sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices. Therefore, if you are not sharing your opportunities with others, you are keeping your talent,” Kasasa said.

Since the objective of the church's finance fraternity is to share opportunities, generate exposure, and network, he implored all Christians in other sectors such as health, education, legal and the public sector to register. He further noted that, currently, they are 72 members registered under finance. 

Kasasa implored all Christians to participate in the family month scheduled for September 10, noting that this month is about networking and the church coming together in unity.