BY BOY FIDEL LEON & RACHAEL PAKRWOTH
Former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda has told pastors to engage in the transformative role of participating in income-generating activities in order to generate money that can sustain their households.
“I emphasize to the believers that in addition to seeking spiritual enlightenment from the places of worship, they should also participate in income-generating activities to sustain their households. In Uganda, 38% of the Uganda households are still engaged in subsistence farming working for the stomach only and this is dangerous in a modern era where all goods and services must be bought with money,” Mr Rugunda told pastors who were attending The East Africa Fire and Anointing Pastors Conference converging pastors from East Africa and beyond was spearheaded by Benjamin Kivumbi, President, and Founder of the Heal for the Public Global Foundation showcased the profound impact that collaboration between religious leaders and government officials can have on society.
Mr Rugunda who was one of the keynote speakers at the event said that the NRM message regarding the social economic transformation in Uganda is that there are four sectors in the economy which individuals, families companies, and organizations can recreate jobs from. These four sectors are commercial, agriculture, services industries, and ICT.
“Like Christ, who combined spiritual devotion with craftsmanship, believers must seek both divine guidance and worldly sustenance. In a modern era where goods and services require monetary transactions, Uganda’s heavy reliance on subsistence farming poses a risk to progress,” he said.
The conference was also attended by Dr. Michelle Corral an American philanthropist, president, and founder of Breath of the Spirit International Ministries who has passion and dedication towards preaching the gospel and supporting needy people through her various charity activities to the needy and vulnerable people in the society.
The East Africa Fire and Anointing Pastors Conference emerged as a testament to the potency of faith-driven collaboration, igniting a beacon of hope for Uganda’s development trajectory. By bridging the realms of spirituality and progress, the conference showed the nation’s commitment to holistic advancement and served as an exemplar for regions seeking to harmonize faith and societal growth.
Col Edith Nakalema, the driving force behind State House Investors Protectorate Unit, acknowledged the harmonious relationship between the church and the government.
“Uganda’s church leadership has stood as a true partner, fostering social services hand in hand with the preaching of the Gospel. The joint efforts of the church and government serve as catalysts for transformative change and economic growth,” Nakalema said.
Nakalema extended her appreciation to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, underscoring his role in Uganda’s stability. “President Museveni’s leadership has been pivotal in ensuring Uganda’s safety and security,” Nakalema affirmed. She detailed the nation’s positive trajectory, citing “political stability, social harmony, low inflation rates, burgeoning manufacturing sectors, and consistent growth” as hallmarks of Uganda’s current status.
