President Yoweri Museveni has called upon religious leaders to collaborate with the government in promoting wealth creation. Speaking through Vice President Jessica Alupo at a fundraising ceremony for the construction of Regina Caeli Cathedral and St. Peters Parish in Soroti, Museveni emphasized the need to move away from subsistence farming, which he identified as a significant contributor to poverty in Uganda.
During the event, President Museveni, via Vice President Alupo, contributed sh60m towards the construction of the Cathedral, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift living standards. Museveni highlighted that 39% of households in Uganda engage in subsistence farming, urging the need for a transition to a money economy to fulfill not only basic food needs but also other essential human wants with monetary value.
The President emphasized the unsustainability of living outside the money economy for attaining a happy life, declaring that subsistence farming perpetuates poverty and backwardness. Museveni commended the church for its ongoing partnership with the government in addressing material needs through projects such as schools and hospitals.
While acknowledging the importance of spiritual nourishment, Museveni urged a holistic ministry that equally addresses the physical needs of believers, including food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. He reiterated that wealth and jobs can be created in four sectors: commercial agriculture, industries, services, and information communication technology.
President Museveni revealed the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM), launched in February 2022, as a comprehensive strategy to transition 39% of households from subsistence living to the money economy. This initiative aims to increase productivity and profitability in the agricultural sector, addressing the root causes of poverty.
The President emphasized that solving poverty at the household level empowers Christians to contribute meaningfully to church construction projects. He expressed gratitude to the faithful and well-wishers for their participation in the fundraising ceremony.
Vice President Alupo extended thanks to Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, for inviting her to the event. She appreciated the contributions of all the faithful, emphasizing their crucial role in supporting noble causes such as the construction of Regina Caeli Cathedral and St. Peters Parish.
