You cannot lecture me on what to do for Uganda - Museveni

PIC: President Museveni unveiling the foundation stone during the commissioning of St Elizabeth Chapel at Kyebambe Girls' School. (Credit: Rogers Sunday)

FORT PORTAL - President Yoweri Museveni has taken a swipe on religious leaders who have been asking him to retire and facilitate a peaceful transition of power.

The President, who was on Friday in Fort Portal town for the commissioning of Kyebambe Girls' School chapel, said no one can lecture him on how to govern Uganda.

"I keep hearing my religious people saying these things. They provoke us politicians and especially me in particular. This is because I am somebody who knows what I am doing," Museveni said.

His remarks followed the comments of Rwenzori Bishop Reuben Kisembo, who in his speech, asked the President to facilitate a peaceful transition of power following the removal of presidential age limit from the Constitution.

St Elizabeth Chapel. (Credit: Rogers Sunday)

"We know the presidential age limit was removed, but your excellence, plan for a peaceful transition of power for the good of yourself, your family and the nation," Kisembo said.

In response the President said: "To the bishop, I say read Ecclesiastes 3:1-13. It says there is time for everything. I do not think there are many people who can really lecture me on what to do for Uganda. Because to lecture you must have the qualification to lecture," the President said.

He warned that such causal talk is uncalled for and, therefore, invited religious leaders for talks to have a consensus.

"This casual talk is not good every time; I have invited the religious people to come and we talk thoroughly in private. I do not think it is good management to throw words at each other in public. We cannot keep talking like young people because that is not the way to manage society," Museveni said.

The old dilapidated chapel at Kyebambe Girls' School. (Credit: Rogers Sunday)

After his speech, Kisembo shook hands with the President.

Museveni contributed sh300m towards the completion of the chapel. Kyebambe chapel, which cost sh3b has been built by the old girls of the school.

However, the chapel still has a deficit in funding, with more money needed to buy pews, public address system and the ceiling.

President Museveni's contribution cuts the deficit to about sh500m from sh800m.

The President challenged Ugandans to put God amidst their lives if they are to live decent lives.

"Congratulations on building the chapel, it is important because religion or spirituality is the foundation of a decent life. Even the Bible says seek first the kingdom of God and the rest will follow," Museveni said.

He noted that the country needs a strong religious base which promotes the principal of loving God and love for one another.
 
Bishop Jackson Nzerebende, the Bishop of South Rwenzori Diocese, who was the main celebrant representing the Archbishop of Uganda, Stanley Ntagali, said the chapel is part of the bigger vision of Kyebambe.

Bishop Reuben Kisembo receiving President Museveni for the commissioning of St Elizabeth Chapel at Kyebambe Girls' School (Credit: Rogers Sunday)

"This is a magnificent chapel that brings Glory to God," Nzerebende said.

In his sermon, he highlighted the importance of worshiping in schools and why the chapel is important.

"Giving God first priority in one's life is important. Schools need godly learning for their children to be transformed," he said.

Night Mpairwe Karungi could not hide her excitement as she jumped in excitement after the President unveiled a dummy cheque of sh300m.

"The old chapel was not only dilapidated but also not befitting the presence of the Lord. St Elizabeth Chapel brings honour and glory to God," Karungi said.

She noted that students studied at Kyebambe and were passionate about worship and the chapel have gone on to be successful in life.