Clare
The President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, has called on religious leaders to deliver comprehensive messages that guide believers out of poverty.
This message was conveyed in a written statement presented by Vice President Her Excellency Major Jessica Alupo during the inauguration of Virika Cathedral yesterday, where the President was a guest of honor.
The President expressed his gratitude to the Diocese of Fort Portal and its followers for their dedication in continuing the legacy of the first Bishop, Joseph Vincent McCauley, which shows faith and hard work in their efforts.
He highlighted the ongoing support of the Ugandan government, under the leadership of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), in recognizing the Church’s contributions in areas such as health and education. He equally acknowledged the church’s influence in the fight against poverty, working alongside the government.
Faith as a drive to eradicate poverty
President Museveni encouraged religious leaders to leverage government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and Youth Livelihood schemes Amooti g others to promote employment and transition people into the money economy, rather than relying solely on subsistence farming.
He also stressed the importance of hard work, especially for the youth, and the need to avoid temptations, encouraging them to dedicate themselves to God and serve with honesty in the newly inaugurated Cathedral.
At the event, Vice President Major Jessica Alupo presented donation of 30 million Shillings from the President, to support the ongoing work at the Cathedral and pledged to contribute personally before April.
The inauguration ceremony, led by Papal Nuncio to Uganda Archbishop Luigi Bianco, was attended by several bishops, including Bishops Sabino Ocan Odoki from Arua, Callisto Rubaramira from Kabale Diocese, Egidio Nkaijanabwo (Emeritus Bishop of Kasese), and the host Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa. The Anglican Church was represented by Bishops Reuben Kisembo of Ruwenzori and Barnabas Tibaijuka of West Ruwenzori, while the Muslim community was represented by District Khard.
Presidential Unfulfilled Pledge
Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki reminded the President of his unfulfilled pledge to donate 2.3 billion Shillings for the construction of a library at Uganda Martyrs University in Fort Portal. This project he explained, aims to support practical skills such as tailoring and engineering, which are vital for income generation and preventing youth unemployment.
Bishop Muhiirwa requested that the Vice President remind the President of this commitment to enhance employability through the university.
