President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to balance spiritual devotion with efforts to improve their economic well-being, emphasizing that prayer and work go hand in hand for a fulfilling life.
Speaking at the End of Year Glorification and Thanksgiving Convention in Kaliro District, the President thanked Prophet David of the Universal Apostles Fellowship Church of Righteousness for the invitation.
While he could not attend in person due to prior engagements, he sent Hajji Faruk Kirunda to deliver his message to the congregation.
President Museveni began by praising God for maintaining peace, unity, and stability in Uganda, noting that agricultural and industrial production have ensured full shops and bustling markets across the country.
He acknowledged that about 30% of households remain outside the formal economy but highlighted government programs such as PDM, Emyooga, the ghetto fund, and the bodaboda fund as resources to lift citizens out of subsistence living.
The President commended Prophet David for emphasizing wealth creation and job opportunities in his ministry, stressing that human beings have both spiritual and physical needs.
“Spiritual needs are met through prayer, scripture study, worship, fasting, and moral instruction,” he said, “but physical needs, such as food, water, shelter, healthcare, education, clothing, transport, and employment, must also be satisfied for a fulfilling life.”
Museveni encouraged citizens to eliminate moneylessness by pursuing profitable ventures in four key sectors: commercial agriculture, industries, services, and ICT.
He urged religious leaders to motivate their congregations to work towards better living standards while maintaining spiritual growth.
“Some believers focus solely on spiritual life and neglect their earthly responsibilities, perpetuating poverty in their families and communities,” he said. “Jesus Christ is the ultimate example: he healed the sick, fed the hungry, and worked alongside Joseph as a carpenter to support his family and society. Christians must emulate this balance between spiritual and socio-economic responsibility.”
President Museveni called for prayers for peace across Africa, and for economic and political integration to expand markets and strengthen security.
