*By John Kusolo*
In a strategic move to rally religious leaders in the fight against poverty, the National Treasurer of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Amb. Barbara Nekesa, has called on the clergy to incorporate messages of wealth creation into their sermons. This initiative was underscored during a courtesy visit from a delegation of religious leaders from Busia District, who met with Amb. Nekesa at the NRM Secretariat in Kampala.
During the meeting, Amb. Nekesa emphasized the vital role that religious leaders play in shaping mindsets and guiding communities. She urged them to use their influence to encourage believers to embrace production not only for food security but also for income generation, thereby uplifting their standard of living.
Amb. Nekesa highlighted that the trusted voices of religious leaders can significantly contribute to the government's efforts to alleviate poverty. “The fight against poverty cannot be won without you, the religious leaders. So, as you preach about God, please also tell our people to engage in production for both food and money so as to live happily. Our people trust you so much,” she remarked.
She further encouraged religious leaders to actively promote government-led development programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and skilling hubs among their congregants. These initiatives, she explained, are designed to empower communities, create jobs, and enhance local economies, especially in rural areas like Busia.
Amb. Nekesa stressed that poverty eradication requires a collective effort, noting that an empowered population can significantly contribute to national development by generating taxable income that funds public infrastructure projects like roads, schools, and hospitals.
Reiterating her call for mindset change, Amb. Nekesa implored religious leaders to discourage the culture of subsistence farming solely for food. “The mindset of working for the stomach alone should quickly change to focus both on food and money,” she said, urging the people to strive for financial independence through productive engagement in agriculture and small-scale industries.
She also advised against the distribution of handouts, which, according to her, fosters dependency and does not lead to sustainable wealth creation. Instead, she encouraged communities to form Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) and associations, through which they can access government support and collectively work towards the common good.
Doreen Nafuna, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Busia, who led the delegation, echoed Amb. Nekesa’s sentiments, underscoring the critical role religious leaders play in driving mindset change. “When religious leaders speak, our people keenly listen. They are actors of mindset change and this is really important for us in the fight against poverty,” Nafuna observed.
The meeting was not only an opportunity for dialogue but also for religious leaders to seek guidance on how they can collaborate more effectively with the government to improve the livelihoods of their congregations and contribute to community development. Nafuna noted that their visit aimed to draw a strategic plan that would enhance cooperation between religious organizations and government initiatives.
Bishop Lawrence Lumu, one of the religious leaders in the delegation, lauded the NRM government for upholding freedom of worship and ensuring peace and stability in Uganda. He pointed out that the church had already begun taking steps towards wealth creation by utilizing its land for agricultural projects.
“As a church, we started some projects because we have land. And with more assistance, in five years we can be very far in terms of development such as rearing pigs, chicken, because the market for these products is readily available,” Bishop Lumu said.
His remarks reflected a broader theme of self-reliance and the importance of collaboration between religious institutions and government to enhance economic growth in communities.
The meeting with Amb. Nekesa set the tone for a more concerted effort between the NRM government and religious leaders to address poverty at the grassroots level. By emphasizing wealth creation in sermons and advocating for community involvement in government programs, religious leaders can play a transformative role in changing the economic landscape of rural Uganda.
Amb. Nekesa's call for mindset change and organized community efforts through SACCOs and associations serves as a reminder that sustainable development requires a collective approach. The partnership between the government and religious institutions is expected to further strengthen efforts toward achieving economic empowerment and poverty reduction, especially in areas like Busia, where religious influence remains a powerful tool for change.
This meeting highlights the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in the fight against poverty. Religious leaders, as trusted community figures, are being called upon to complement government efforts by championing wealth creation initiatives, thereby uplifting their congregants and contributing to the country's overall development.
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