President Yoweri Museveni has urged Christians and church leaders across Uganda to actively join the fight against household poverty by engaging in income-generating activities alongside their spiritual responsibilities. He emphasized that faith should go hand in hand with productive work to improve livelihoods and transform families.
The President’s message was delivered by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo during the consecration and installation ceremony of the fourth Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Rev. Canon Prof. Grace Lubaale. The event was held on Sunday at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe and was attended by bishops, clergy, religious leaders from different denominations, as well as political and cultural leaders.
President Museveni encouraged Christians to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who practised carpentry while carrying out His ministry, and the Apostle Paul, who made tents to support his missionary work. He said this shows that spiritual life and productive work are not separate, but complementary.
He introduced the concept of “Omwooga,” meaning an area of specialization or enterprise that generates income. According to the President, every Christian should have an Omwooga that helps sustain their household and contributes to economic growth.
Museveni noted that Uganda still faces a major challenge, with about 43 percent of households operating outside the money economy. These families mainly depend on subsistence farming, which provides food but little or no cash income.
“How can a family afford medicine, school fees, or decent clothing without money?” the President asked. He stressed the need to move households from subsistence living into the money economy so they can meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life.
The President urged believers to acquire practical skills, invest in productive activities, and take advantage of opportunities created by the government. He highlighted key achievements of the NRM government, including improved road networks, expanded electricity supply, peace and security, and Uganda’s access to regional and international markets.
“These foundations must translate into jobs and wealth at the household level for development to be meaningful,” Museveni said, adding that real economic transformation begins within families.
He also congratulated Rev. Canon Prof. Grace Lubaale on his appointment as the fourth Bishop of Busoga Diocese and praised the Church for its continued role in providing moral guidance and supporting national development.
President Museveni concluded by calling for stronger collaboration between the Church and government, saying that combining faith, hard work, and economic participation is key to reducing poverty and building a prosperous Uganda.
