President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on religious leaders across Uganda to use their platforms to promote wealth creation and economic empowerment among their congregations.
Speaking through his Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization, Haji Faruk Kirunda, the President delivered the message during a crusade organized by the Universal Apostles Fellowship Church of Righteousness (UAFCR) on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Saza Grounds, Kayunga District.
President Museveni urged religious leaders to go beyond preaching the gospel and begin educating their followers about opportunities in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, and the service industry as a pathway out of poverty.
“Please spread the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s wealth creation message. You should use the Church to help our people to fight poverty,” Museveni stated.
He commended Prophet Daudi Isanga, the spiritual head of UAFCR, for actively preaching the NRM’s wealth creation message and encouraged other religious leaders to follow suit. In support of UAFCR’s economic efforts, President Museveni pledged to donate a tractor to help boost agricultural productivity among believers.
He emphasized that the NRM’s policies are rooted in “politics of interest”, which prioritize the welfare of all Ugandans. He further credited the current political environment for allowing freedom of worship, a stark contrast to past regimes.
“Our government doesn’t discriminate against any Ugandan based on their tribe, religion and political affiliation,” Museveni said. “That’s why you are able to freely worship whatever and whenever you want as long as you don’t break the law.”
He recalled that former President Idi Amin curtailed religious freedom between 1977 and 1978, a period he described as “cowardly.”
In his address, Prophet Isanga condemned the rising crime rate in Kayunga, citing witchcraft, land theft, and human sacrifice as pressing issues tarnishing the district's image.
“You should return to God so that you revive the image of this district,” he said.
He rallied his followers to support President Museveni and the NRM in the 2026 general elections, praising the President as a tolerant, visionary, and selfless leader.
“Unlike the past leaders, President Museveni is one of a kind. He is a kind of leader who is abused, criticized and does nothing to those who castigate him. He has all the qualities of a good leader,” Isanga said.
He also expressed gratitude to Museveni for the tractor donation and for consistently honoring pledges made to the church.
The Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Ntenjeru North MP, Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, echoed Prophet Isanga’s concerns about criminality in Kayunga.
“Recently, five people have died mysteriously. We request you, Prophet Isanga, to pray for our district,” Lugoloobi said.
The event was attended by several high-ranking officials including Minister of State for Bunyoro Affairs Jenipher Namuyangu, Commissioner Frederick Mbagadhi Nkayi, and Kayunga RDC Mariam Seguya, among others. Thousands of believers from across Uganda and beyond attended the crusade.