President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Christians to move beyond dependence on aid and embrace wealth creation through production, value addition and access to regional markets.
Museveni made the call on Saturday while officiating at “The Big Fix” Holy Spirit Global Conference 2026 at Miracle Centre Cathedral in Rubaga, Kampala.
The seven-day international Christian conference, running from September 21 to 27, is hosted by Pastors Robert and Jessica Kayanja under Robert Kayanja Ministries. It has brought together Christians from Uganda and other countries for worship, teaching, fellowship and spiritual renewal.
Museveni told the gathering that religious leaders should complement their spiritual teachings with messages that encourage believers to create wealth and improve household incomes.
He encouraged Christians to engage in productive activities targeting both local and regional markets, arguing that Africa’s growing population provides a large market for goods and services.
The President urged Ugandans to position themselves to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and called for stronger African economic integration.
He also criticised trade barriers among East African countries, saying restrictions on the movement of goods undermine regional integration and limit the benefits of a common market.
Museveni said deeper East African integration should ultimately lead to key institutions including one army, one foreign policy, one citizenship and one common market.
He said the full realisation of an East African Federation would strengthen the region’s ability to compete with other major economic blocs globally.
The President also called for greater attention to value addition, particularly in agriculture, saying processing raw agricultural products can increase returns to farmers, create jobs and generate wealth.
On continental security, Museveni said Africa needs to strengthen its capacity across four dimensions—land, air, sea and space.
He said no individual African country can adequately achieve this alone, stressing the need for regional cooperation and coordinated strategies to address security gaps, particularly in the maritime and space domains.
Kayanja backs wealth creation drive
Pastor Robert Kayanja commended Museveni’s leadership, particularly what he described as the government’s contribution to peace, security and freedom of worship in Uganda.
Kayanja also praised the government’s interventions in Karamoja, saying the region was transitioning towards becoming a food-producing area.
He said Robert Kayanja Ministries is ready to work with government to address outstanding challenges affecting agricultural development in the region.
Kayanja further announced plans for a Shs5 trillion milk project through a cow bank initiative, which he said would mobilise hundreds of Christians to rear cattle for large-scale milk production.
He also called for the full operationalisation of the East African regional market, saying existing barriers should be addressed to allow citizens and businesses to benefit from wider markets.
The conference continues at Miracle Centre Cathedral through September 27 under the theme of spiritual renewal, fellowship and transformation, with wealth creation and socioeconomic empowerment forming part of the discussions.
