Kasaija Asks Clergy to Spread Gospel on Food Security, Household Income

By Tugume Johnbosco

HOIMA : The Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development Matia Kasaija wants religious leaders to consider messages on food security and household income, part of their routine sermons.

Officiating at the 53rd World Catholic Communication Day, at Bujumbura Cathedral in Hoima Diocese on Sunday, Minister Kasaija noted that religious leaders have done well in complementing government programs. He said however, the clergy’s effort is also needed in mobilizing the flock towards improved household income and food security.

“I want you to take this message now, regardless of your religious denominations to encourage believers to grow more food crops to fight famine and embrace government campaign on improving household income and life will be good for them,” he said.

The Minister said religious leaders have regular access to communities and their messages are always respected. He emphasized that it’s time they partner with government to spread the gospel on poverty alleviation and food security.

The Minister observed that much as government is committed and has achieved greatly in infrastructure development, citing roads, health facilities and schools, he said these cannot translate into food and money for households, unless people take deliberate action to liberate their homes.

According to Kasaija, a poor and hungry citizen can’t contribute much to his personal development and to the social economic transformation of a country. “My job would be simple if all Ugandans were rich because they can afford to travel, drink a beer, buy a car, start business and through that, government would be getting more money in terms of tax and extend more services,” he observed.