President Yoweri Museveni has called on religious leaders to actively support the government’s campaign to eradicate poverty by incorporating the message of wealth creation into their sermons.
In a statement delivered on Sunday, June 8, 2025, by Haji Faruk Kirunda, the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization and Deputy Spokesperson, Museveni said that while religious leaders spend significant time preaching spiritual messages, many of their congregants continue to live in poverty.
He urged them to dedicate part of their sermons to educating believers on economic empowerment through commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and information technology.
“Please use the church as a platform to spread the NRM government’s message on wealth creation. Help our people escape poverty,” the President said.
Museveni’s message was delivered during a mega crusade organized by the Universal Apostles Fellowship Church of Righteousness (UAFCR) at Saza Grounds, Kayunga District, which drew thousands of worshippers. The church, with branches across Uganda and abroad, is led by Prophet Daudi Isanga.
The President praised Prophet Isanga for being a long-time advocate of the wealth creation agenda and encouraged other religious leaders to emulate his example.
To support the church’s economic initiatives, Museveni pledged to donate a tractor to help believers boost productivity in their commercial farming activities.
He reiterated that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government stands for “politics of interest”—a philosophy that prioritizes the welfare of all Ugandans. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to freedom of worship, attributing the proliferation of places of worship in Uganda to the NRM’s progressive policies.
“Our government does not discriminate based on tribe, religion, or political affiliation. Everyone is free to worship as they wish—so long as it’s within the law,” he noted.
Drawing a contrast with past regimes, Museveni recalled how former President Idi Amin suppressed religious freedom between 1977 and 1978, labeling him a “coward who feared criticism.”
The President urged believers to use their religious freedom to promote peace and unity across the country.
