The Nation Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer, Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo, has urged religious leaders to complement government efforts in wealth creation, poverty eradication and national unity.
Speaking at a fundraising dinner organised by Kazo Seventh-Day Adventist Church at Hotel Africana on Thursday, Nekesa urged church leaders to guide congregations towards government wealth creation programmes and encourage households to embrace income-generating activities.
"Faith is central to our lives, but economic empowerment is equally important in enabling believers and churches to fulfil their responsibilities. Fighting poverty in our homesteads is not an option," she said.
Nekesa commended the NRM Government for safeguarding freedom of worship, describing it as an achievement worth protecting. She challenged religious leaders to use their influence to discourage sectarianism and promote unity regardless of religious, tribal or political differences.
"Where there is no peace, there can be no meaningful unity, and without unity, development becomes difficult," she noted, adding that Uganda's stability has enabled the country to withstand public health challenges including Ebola, nodding disease and COVID-19.
She encouraged religious institutions to continue praying for the country while mobilising congregations to embrace government development programmes, explaining that improved household incomes enable families to meet their needs, support church activities and contribute to community development.
The dinner sought to raise shs150m towards purchasing land adjoining the church for expansion, a pastor's residence and parking facilities.
Nekesa commended the church leadership for the initiative, noting that strong religious institutions shape responsible citizens and support social and moral development.