KAMPALA – The Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Sanjay Tanna, has urged Christians across the country to actively embrace government wealth-creation programmes, saying they are key to improving household incomes, promoting a culture of saving, and accelerating Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Speaking during a Sunday worship service at House of Prayer Ministries International in Canaan Land, Makerere, the minister encouraged the congregation to take advantage of initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, youth and women empowerment programmes, government skilling hubs, and SACCOs to improve their livelihoods.
Tana, who also contributed Shs6 million towards the church’s programmes, said the time for politics was over and called on Ugandans to focus on production, wealth creation and national development.
He told the congregation that government had deliberately introduced several programmes aimed at lifting citizens out of poverty but noted that many people were still reluctant to participate.
“The government has put in place many programmes in agro-processing, tourism, mining, technology, science and innovation. We also have the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, women’s empowerment programmes and youth empowerment initiatives. My appeal to you is to support these programmes because that is the only way we shall succeed as a country,” Tana said.
He challenged Christians to cultivate a saving culture, noting that while many Ugandans earn income, few save or belong to organized savings groups.
“Our ministry is promoting the formation and strengthening of SACCOs because they help communities save, invest and generate sustainable incomes. Let us embrace the culture of saving,” he added.
During the service, Tanna also shared his personal testimony about his political journey, describing his appointment to Cabinet as an act of God’s grace.
He recounted previous unsuccessful attempts to contest for the Tororo parliamentary seat and later the position of NRM Deputy Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, experiences that nearly made him abandon politics altogether.
“I had reached a point where I had surrendered politics after several disappointments, but by the grace of God, His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni appointed me a full Cabinet Minister. That is why I have come here today to thank Almighty God for His mercy and faithfulness,” he said.
The minister expressed appreciation to Pastor Aloysius Bugingo, church elders and the congregation for welcoming him.
“I want to appreciate Pastor Aloysius Bugingo and the church elders for hosting me today. I also thank every one of you who has come to worship. Today I specifically came to thank Almighty God for everything He has done for me and for Uganda,” he said.
Tana also thanked Pastor Bugingo for what he described as consistent prayers for President Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the nation.
He commended the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for what he said were significant achievements in infrastructure development, industrialisation and economic transformation.
According to the minister, Uganda has made remarkable progress from relying heavily on imports to becoming a producer and exporter of several commodities.
“Years ago, Uganda imported products such as sugar and salt, but today we manufacture many of these products locally. We are now net exporters of milk, sugar and many other goods. These achievements have not come by accident,” he said.
Tanna further described Uganda as one of the most peaceful countries in East and Central Africa, attributing the stability to deliberate efforts by the government and calling on citizens, especially young people, to protect the country’s peace and freedoms.
“The younger generation should not take the peace we enjoy for granted. It is our responsibility to protect this peace, protect our freedom of worship and safeguard the liberties we have because they can easily be lost,” he said.
He urged youth to enroll in government skilling hubs and embrace value addition instead of depending solely on white-collar jobs.
“In 1986, Makerere University graduated about 800 students, but today Uganda graduates more than 300,000 students annually. Government cannot provide jobs for everyone. That is why skilling programmes are important because they equip young people with practical skills to create their own employment,” he explained.
Tana also noted that his friendship with Pastor Bugingo dates back to their work in the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), saying the organisation advocates for patriotism, peace, law and order.
“There is enough space for all of us in Uganda as long as we understand one another and work together. Politics should not divide us. Now is the time to work because, as the Bible teaches us, you reap what you sow,” he said.
He concluded by asking the congregation to continually pray for the President, Cabinet and the nation so that government leaders may have the wisdom, vision and strength to serve Ugandans and transform the lives of citizens, especially those at the grassroots.
