KAMPALA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has on September 23, 2019, promised Kampala pastors that he will arrange for a meeting with State Minister for Ethics and Integrity Fr. Simon Lokodo will attend to discuss the proposed compulsory theology training for all religious leaders.
While meeting the pastors at Lugogo Cricket Oval, the President said the government is still undecided on the proposed policy that would force all religious leaders in the country to undergo compulsory training in theological studies.
“I have not had time to discuss it with Lokodo but I don’t know why we should waste so much time on it. Simon Peter had not been to the seminary. I don’t see the big issue, but we shall discuss it biblically since the brains are democratically instituted, we shall find a solution. We shall understand one another,” he said.
He added that he will invite Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala and the archbishops to a discussion where they will forge a way for the work of God in a meeting he will organise with the pastors.
The president said when he was still young, the Anglican Church that he went to had priests that attended some training that enabled them serve the believers better.
President Museveni further encouraged them to be examples both spiritually and in temporal matters.
“I’m ready to work with you to actualise that. NRM didn’t come for the rich. The rich know what to do. Our people shouldn’t work only for the stomach. We should also work for money. I want you to help us with that transition,” Museveni advised.
Adding;“In NRM, we don’t have any issue with religious groups. Wherever you look in the Bible, the guidance is “Don’t just talk, but do”. That is how God will assess you. I challenge you Christians to be examples when it comes to wealth creation and chasing away poverty. How can a Christian be the light when his children are starving and wearing rags?”
According to Pastor Robert Kayanja of Rubaga Miracle Cathedral, Africa is no longer under the curse and thus it is time to stand with President Museveni to build their land.
“We have one disturbing issue that is scaring all 55,000 of us; Father Lokodo’s policy document. That document doesn’t represent you at all. We wonder why they only bring it when we’re approaching elections,” he said.
Pastor Kayanja further thanked the president for granting them the freedom they needed to operate.
“Pastors and evangelists have something common with the NRM government; NRM has the correct ideology and we have the correct theology,” said Kayanja.
Prof. Simon Kayiwa of Namirembe Christian Fellowship said, “When one of our own, Pastor William Muwanguzi (Kiwedde) committed crimes, the law worked well on him. It is the same law that should be used on us and not what they want to bring.”
