MUGABE R
Canon Doctor Johnson Byabashaija, the Commissioner General of Uganda Prisons, has urged the clergy to make poverty eradication sensitization a priority. He delivered this message on Sunday, November 10, 2024, while officiating the installation service of Ven. Captain Jalon Atusinguza at St. Paul’s Rubirizi Church of Uganda Archdeaconry in North Kigezi Diocese, Nyarushanje Sub County, Rukungiri District.
Canon Doctor Byabashaija voiced concern over the widespread poverty in the region, emphasizing that the Church cannot thrive in a poor community. He called on the clergy to adopt a door-to-door approach to teach poverty eradication skills and knowledge. He also linked the ongoing imprisonment of government officials to the impact of poverty.
In his sermon, Right Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, urged the clergy to focus on spreading the gospel and “catching the sheep.” He also challenged Christians to avoid engaging in cheap politics driven by inducements, stressing the importance of electing quality leaders.
Hon. Naboth Namanya, the Rubabo County Member of Parliament, encouraged farmers to increase their investment in coffee growing, aiming to validate the benefits of the government’s decision to move coffee advisory services to the Ministry of Agriculture. He criticized the government for being self-serving and not respecting democracy, urging people to expect democratic changes only after the current regime.
Boaz Kamutera, the head of laity of Bugangari Archdeaconry, advised coffee farmers to have confidence in the coffee industry for wealth generation. He also urged them to trust the Ministry of Agriculture, which promises better plans for market opportunities under its new leadership.
Ven. Captain Jalon Atusinguza, the newly installed Archdeacon of Rubirizi Archdeaconry, expressed gratitude to the Christians, including former appointees, for their support. He pledged to serve transparently and faithfully.
