President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the believers and
religious leaders in Uganda for embracing the National Resistance
Movement (NRM) ideology.
“I want to thank the believers of Uganda and their religious leaders for
adopting the NRM ideology,” he said.
The President who was in the company of the First Lady and Minister of
Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, made the remarks today
as the Chief Guest during the Uganda Martyrs Day Celebrations at
Namugongo.
The celebrations ran under the theme: “As for me and my household, we
shall serve the Lord” derived from Joshua 24:15.
President Museveni explained that he was happy because believers and
religious leaders managed to denounce sectarianism based on religion
and tribes which caused chaos in Uganda before the coming of the NRM
government in 1986.
“This is because from the 1960s even earlier, Ugandans were divided
according to tribes and religion and this was part of the chaos which
engulfed Uganda; It was due to that sectarianism of religion and tribe but
when we came, you opposed this very firmly,” the President noted.
“The leaders also formed the Inter-Religious Council. This was formed
after the NRM had come into government. So you can call the Inter
Religious Council some form of “NRM-nism”. Jesus made it clear “Love
your neighbour as you love yourself”. This is the NRM line. I’m glad that
you embraced it.”
Furthermore, President Museveni urged believers to work towards
improving their welfare through wealth creation.
“As Christians and other believers, you must multiply your talents. I don’t
think it’s correct to have Christians and other believers living in poverty.
How can Christians influence people by example not just by talking but
by doing so that you become an example to others? I think we should
harmonise with religious leaders and we promote this message of
pushing poverty from our homes. I don’t want Uganda to be religious but
poor. I started opposing that in the 1960s while I was living in
Ntungamo, Isingiro and Kiruhura. We had very religious people there but
they believed that God would provide for them even when they don’t
work. I disagreed with those Balokole (born again Christians) there and
I’m glad that they have now woken up,” he expounded.
He also tasked the youth to focus on ideas that would transform Uganda
and Africa at large instead of spending much of their time on
unconstructive things like watching European football.
“You young people, you spend so much time watching European
football, you don’t bother with what is happening in Africa. You can
imagine the African youth are totally diverted, you don’t hear them talk
about the integration of Africa which Mwalimu Nyerere was fighting for
and what we are fighting for,” President Museveni stressed.
“Today Uganda is a country of martyrs and those people who are just
talking outside there like on the issue of homosexuality; they don’t know
that Uganda is a land of martyrs. If you want to play around, you do so
but you will not like what you will see.”
The President also reiterated his call against the fight of corruption.
On the other hand, he promised that the government will work with the
Church to ensure that the construction of Namugongo Martyrs Shrine is
complete.
On the side of the Anglican Church in Namugongo, President Museveni
who was represented by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita
Among said the story of the Uganda Martyrs is proof that it is impossible
to suppress correct ideas, especially if they are anchored on godliness
and humanity.
“Some people have tried to fight new and dynamic ideas. However,
history has taught us that if an idea is correct and progressive, it will
eventually triumph. The teachings of Christianity are beneficial for every
individual and society. The Gospel helps to cultivate a fear of God and
love for other people, regardless of tribe, region or religion,” President
Museveni said.
“The fear of God teaches the believers to guard themselves from
engaging in evil practices that are likely to break their communion with
the Creator. It makes you accountable to a Heavenly Father, who
watches everything that you do, even in darkness. Christians are aware
that they will face judgement for their words and actions, here on earth.
Therefore, many of the evils, like corruption, embezzlement, defilement,
murder, etc., are on account of the lack of Godly guidance, in people’s
hearts. The fear of God imparts honesty, integrity and self-control,” he
added.
