In a stern address during the End of Year National Thanksgiving prayers at State House, Entebbe, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni cautioned religious leaders against organizing fundraising events, citing their potential contribution to corruption in the country.
The President specifically addressed the Church and Mosque, urging them to reconsider their fundraising practices, which he believes create undue pressure on young politicians. He emphasized that the fundraising culture is perilous, especially for the Church, asserting that young politicians may feel compelled to go into debt and engage in corruption to meet financial demands.
Museveni explained, "Fundraising is wrong; it is premature. If villagers have not been mobilized in wealth creation and they don't have money, stop this fundraising because it is a means of extorting money from these young politicians who are dishonest."
The President expressed concern that such fundraising events often target communities with limited resources, putting young politicians in difficult positions. He argued that these politicians, meant to play oversight roles in parliament, find themselves seeking funds for constituency projects instead of focusing on their legislative duties.
While reiterating the government's commitment to combating corruption, Museveni labeled corruption a significant problem that needs urgent attention. He emphasized that corruption adversely affects farmers and manufacturers, undermining critical infrastructure projects like roads.
"We are going to crush it because it is going to derail us," Museveni assured, vowing to fight against what he referred to as "parasites" seeking an easy life through corruption.
Despite the criticism his government faces over the Anti-homosexuality Act, President Museveni reassured Ugandans not to be intimidated, emphasizing the country's capacity to sustain itself economically. He commended religious leaders for embracing the message of unity and hard work, aligning with the National Resistance Movement's emphasis on wealth creation.
The event, attended by notable figures such as Vice President Jessica Alupo, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, featured Pastor Dr. Moses Maka, the Archbishop of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Uganda, expressing gratitude to President Museveni and his wife Janet for incorporating God into the leadership of Uganda. Pastor Maka also advised leaders to focus on being fruitful, multiplying, replenishing, and subduing for effective leadership.
