President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda has urged the Church of Uganda and other religious institutions to strengthen their role in promoting socio-economic transformation, moral uprightness, and household wealth creation. He made the call through Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, during the 141st commemoration of Bishop James Hannington at Kyando Village in Mayuge District. The President emphasized the importance of combining spiritual guidance with practical efforts to improve livelihoods.
The commemoration marked 141 years since Bishop Hannington's martyrdom in 1885. President Museveni expressed his pleasure at being invited to join the faithful on this significant occasion and thanked the Church of Uganda, the organizing committee, and the people of Busoga for keeping Bishop Hannington's legacy alive. He noted that the commemoration was not only a reflection on a historical event but also a moment to draw enduring lessons from Bishop Hannington's life and death.
Bishop Hannington led a group of missionaries from England to Uganda in 1882, but his journey was marked by numerous challenges, including hostile encounters, wild animals, and sickness. After recovering his health, he prepared for a second journey to Uganda in 1885, accompanied by fellow missionaries, including William Jones. However, they encountered difficulties near Lake Victoria, leading to their detention due to misunderstandings about their mission.
President Museveni explained that Bishop Hannington and his colleagues were mistaken for enemies of Buganda's Kabaka Mwanga II, leading to their detention. Bishop Hannington was eventually killed on October 29, 1885, on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, through Busoga Chief Luba, at Kyando. The President said the sacrifice of Bishop Hannington and other Christian martyrs laid an important foundation for the growth of Christianity in Uganda.
The President drew a connection between the Bishop Hannington commemoration and Uganda Martyrs Day, observed annually on June 3. He noted that the lives of those who died for their faith demonstrate extraordinary commitment, courage, and total surrender to God. President Museveni urged Christians to emulate the exemplary conduct of early believers and use their faith to guide younger generations towards responsible, disciplined, and morally upright lives.
President Museveni commended the Church of Uganda and other faith-based organizations for their longstanding contribution to Uganda's social and economic development. He observed that religious institutions have played a significant role in expanding access to education, improving public health, and strengthening the moral fabric of society. The President appreciated the continued service of churches and other religious organizations in rural communities.
President Museveni appealed to the Church of Uganda to continue partnering with the Government in promoting socio-economic transformation, particularly by encouraging Christians to embrace wealth-creation programs such as Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM). He stressed that these programs provide opportunities for households to participate in productive economic activities, strengthen their incomes, and improve their standards of living.
Key points
- President Museveni urges the Church to promote wealth creation and socio-economic transformation in Uganda.
- The commemoration marked 141 years since Bishop Hannington's martyrdom in 1885.
- President Museveni commended the Church for its contribution to Uganda's social and economic development.
