Bishop Samuel George Egesa of Bukedi emphasized the importance of supporting government initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) to reduce household poverty levels during a confirmation ceremony at St Stephen Church of Uganda in Budaka Archdeaconry, Budaka District.
Addressing Christians, Bishop Egesa urged them to refrain from attributing poverty solely to President Museveni, emphasizing the need to actively participate in poverty eradication efforts. He encouraged a shift from constant complaints and blaming the government, suggesting a collaborative approach to improve household incomes.
During the confirmation ceremony, where 171 Christians were confirmed, Bishop Egesa reiterated President Museveni’s call for Ugandans to avoid the mentality of working only for sustenance.
Additionally, the bishop emphasized the importance of seeking and obeying God’s commandments while discouraging evil acts.
In a separate address, Bishop Egesa urged clerics to pursue further studies to remain relevant in their communities. He highlighted a policy requiring all parish priests to attain degrees, replacing the previous emphasis on diplomas or certificates. This policy aims to enhance the educational background of clerics and promote accurate interpretations of biblical verses.
The bishop noted that the diocese, which had only two parish priests with master’s degrees a decade ago, now boasts seven with two holding Ph.D. degrees.
Bukedi District, part of the Bukedi sub-region, is considered the second-poorest in Uganda after Karamoja Sub-region. The current poverty rate in Bukedi is 43.7%, with a GDP per capita of less than $135. The National Development Plan 3 projects a poverty reduction rate of 25.8% for the Bukedi region, emphasizing the need for growth stimulation in key sectors such as agri-business, industrial development, and tourism.
