NICHOLAS A
The Overseer of the National Fellowship of Born Again Pentecostal Churches (NAFBAPC) Kigezi Region, Bishop Onesmus Ngoboka Byengoma, has called on pastors to lead by example not only spiritually but also in matters of personal and community development.
Bishop Ngoboka made the remarks yesterday while officiating as the guest of honor at the Annual General Meeting of the Rukungiri Evangelical Development Association (REDA), held at God’s Embassy Church in Bunura, Rukungiri Municipality.
He emphasized that while pastors remain committed to serving God, they should also engage in income-generating activities to improve their livelihoods and fight poverty. According to the bishop, economic empowerment among church leaders is key to strengthening both their ministries and communities.
He commended pastors in Rukungiri for their unity and foresight in forming REDA, noting that such organization positions them to attract government support. Bishop Ngoboka, who also serves as a patron of the association, pledged continued efforts to lobby for more funding to boost its activities.
He further encouraged members to elevate the association into a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), saying they have the capacity to mobilize more members, accumulate savings, access loans, and ensure financial sustainability.
Speaking at the same event, REDA Chairperson Pastor Charles Tumwebaze revealed that the association, which began in 2021 with just 12 members, has now grown to over 150 members with total assets worth 83 million shillings. He expressed optimism about the association’s future growth and impact.
Pastor Tumwebaze highlighted key achievements, including the distribution of 30 crossbreed cows to members for dairy farming and support for the construction of 12 churches. He added that the association has also fostered mutual support among members during both challenging and prosperous times.
He noted that plans are underway to mobilize more pastors to join REDA as part of efforts to transition into a SACCO.
One of the beneficiaries, Twongirwe Evas, a member and servant at Rugarama Community Church in Bugangari, testified that the association has helped her access funds for development projects and school fees for her children, among other needs.
The meeting underscored the growing role of faith-based initiatives in promoting both spiritual growth and socio-economic development in communities.
