Farming is not punishment, says clergy

The archdeacon of Ajuri County in Alebtong district, Rev Geoffrey Omara has demystified the public negative perception that farming is punishment given to human kind by God.

Speaking at the handover of 6,000 hand hoes donated by MP Hamson Obua to residents of Awaping and Awori parishes in Abako sub county on Sunday, Rev Omara said it is misinterpretation of the Bible and those preaching are prophets of doom. 

“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense,” said Rev Omara quoting proverbs 12:11. “A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.”

MP Obua has so far distributed about 15,000 hand hoes to residents of Ocokober, Omee, Owalo and Alanyi parishes. The project aims at equipping farmers to produce more food, generate income in the household and fight poverty.

Rev Omara said the preaching of  the bishop of Lango Diocese, Professor Dr. Alfred Olwa stands on two pillars to enable him kick out poverty among the flock.

 He added that President Yoweri Museveni has long appealed to religious leaders to use the church as platform to sensitise the communities to embrace commercial farming and this is the right time.

 An old woman excited after receiving a hand hoe given by MP Obua

“Our daily preaching now is that you need to have a hoe in the right hand and Bible on the other side,” Rev Omara said attracting applause from the crowd.  

MP Obua cautioned people against selling the hoes saying it should be used for farming which later help parents to generate money to pay school fees.