President Yoweri Museveni has emphasized the importance of preserving the environment, particularly wetlands, to mitigate climate change effects.
Speaking to a mammoth congregation at the Patriotic Youth Mega Gospel Crusade in Kaliro District, President Museveni encouraged citizens to utilize wetlands productively, getting quality yields and better income.
He cited the Limoto wetland restoration project in Pallisa, where lives of communities have changed because of a more productive and profitable way.
This was as a response to Kaliro District Woman MP Brenda Suubi’s plea to exempt her constituents from eviction, highlighting the livelihood dependence on wetlands.
“… I heard my daughter’s request (Hon Brenda Suubi) about wetlands, but the way these swamps are being used are destructive and dangerous to the environment with little returns…” the president said.
Sounding polite to a rather wrong request by a national leader who should be conversant with the effects of global warming, Museveni suggested a field trip for the Kaliro leaders to Palisa District’s Nimoto swamp to showcase sustainable wetland use.
Speaking in Luganda, President Yoweri Museveni also took time to reiterate on the four-acre model, which has been analyzed by experts to be the best socio-economic transformation vehicle for Ugandans.
He reminded the residents of the four-acre model as an effective strategy for individuals with limited land to improve their livelihoods.
Clad in military attire, the president pledged to invite Kaliro leaders to State House for in-depth discussions on the contentious wetlands and other related issues affecting the growth and development of the district, seeking a lasting solution.
The Old Man from Rwakitura who used a chopper and landed at a primary school, 5km away from the venue commended Prophet David Isanga for his unadulterated biblical teachings, emphasizing hard work, unlike some who misinterpret some texts out of context
Even though the UAFCR Church leader did not ask for any financial support as it was almost the new norm in most churches, the magnanimous president donated 100M to the Church’s SACCO to facilitate members
He also used the occasion to address a long-standing concern of Pentecostal churches, promising to resolve the issue of registration under the NGO Act of 1989.
As it stands now, all Pentecostal churches, including UAFCR, are registered as NGOs and Company limited by guarantee and must be renewed after every five years, something the men of God are not happy with.
He assured Prophet David that churches would be recognized as separate entities from companies or NGOs, saying, “A church is a church, and we will consider it a done deal.”
This move is seen as a significant step towards addressing the grievances of faith-based organizations and promoting religious freedom and freedom of worship as is enshrined in Uganda’s constitution.
The president recounted how some prominent religious leaders from mainstream churches approached him in 1986, urging him to ban all non-mainstream churches, particularly Pentecostal ones.
However, Museveni credited his deep understanding of the Bible and its interpretation for helping him discern that the advice was misguided.
“…now who is complaining and who has lost, the Pentecostal churches are doing their work, the others are also doing their work, and this is the correct way of doing things…” he stressed, attracting a thunderous applause from the spirit-fired congregation.
The president referenced a Biblical passage as recorded in Mark 9:38-40, where Jesus Christ helped his disciples recognize the danger of exclusivity over unity.
To put it in context, the disciples driven more by pride, jealousy and ignorance were quick to protect the name of Jesus and to stand against anyone who they perceive as unqualified and thus not holy or competent.
This pharisaic cancer has persisted up to modern times everywhere in Uganda.
Museveni specifically commended Prophet David, acknowledging the positive contributions of Pentecostal churches over the years.
This highlights the president’s commitment to religious freedom and his ability to make informed decisions based on his understanding of scripture.
This was President Museveni’s second visit to the Church in a period of about 10 years, having done so for the first time in 2013.
The ceremony which was coordinated by Presidential Deputy Press Secretary Hajji Farouk Kirunda attracted State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs Jenifer Namuyangu, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong and his Deputy Rose Namayanja, Justice Geoffrey Namundu, MPs Sanon Bwire, Brenda Suubi and Hajji Iddi Isabirye, Senior Presidential Advisor Busoga, Mrs Florence Mutyabule and dozen others.
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