President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has once again called on Ugandans, especially believers, to actively take part in income-generating activities as they seek spiritual growth in places of worship. He emphasized that faith alone is not enough without practical efforts to improve household incomes and fight poverty.
Museveni made the remarks on July 4 during the reinstallation ceremony of Bishop Pr Godfrey Lubwama as the Mityana Seventh-Day Adventist Church President for West Buganda Field. The event took place in Kiyudaya, Busimbi Division in Mityana Municipality. The President’s message was delivered by the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister, Crispus Kiyonga, who represented him as Chief Guest. The ceremony was also attended by Lands Minister and Mityana District Woman MP Judith Nabakooba.
In his message, Museveni encouraged believers to learn from Jesus Christ, who he said balanced spiritual work with practical labor. He reminded the congregation that Jesus was a carpenter, showing that work and faith go hand in hand. He urged religious leaders to guide their followers into choosing at least one enterprise project they can depend on for income.
The President strongly warned against subsistence farming, describing it as one of the major causes of poverty in many homes. He explained that growing crops only for home consumption limits development and prevents families from earning money to buy essential goods and services. Instead, he encouraged commercial agriculture, industries, ICT, and service-based businesses as better alternatives for wealth creation.
Museveni also praised the Seventh-Day Adventist Church of Uganda Seventh-day Adventist Church for working closely with government programs and supporting social development through schools and health facilities. He reaffirmed government commitment to improving infrastructure, peace, and investment opportunities that can create jobs for citizens.
During the same event, leaders reminded the public about government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), which is aimed at improving household incomes. However, concerns were raised about corruption and mismanagement of funds. Hon. Judith Nabakooba warned local leaders to ensure transparency so that all intended beneficiaries receive support fairly.
The installation ceremony was led by the Archbishop of the SDA Church in Uganda, Samuel Kajoba, who said leadership in both government and church must be guided by discipline, service, and biblical values. He encouraged church leaders to remain approachable and committed to serving believers effectively.
Newly reinstalled Bishop Lubwama expressed gratitude and revealed ongoing church projects, including a hospital at Kigalama, a new church building, and a heritage center at Kalamba. He appealed for additional support, including from the President, to complete these projects.
Mityana District Chairperson Joseph Luzige also used the occasion to highlight development needs in the district. He called for the upgrading of Mityana Hospital to a mini referral facility, improved medical equipment, and the provision of an ambulance and ICU services to handle growing patient numbers.
The event ended with a strong message of partnership between government, religious institutions, and local leaders in promoting both spiritual growth and economic transformation in Mityana and across Uganda.
