President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on families to actively participate in wealth creation to secure the well-being of their members. Speaking at the inaugural Inter-Religious Family Festival held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, he emphasized the importance of a family head being a wealth creator, describing those who fail in this role as "vagabonds."
The festival, themed “Celebrating Family, Faith, Freedom: One Family Under God for African Renaissance,” highlighted the values of traditional African families. These values include fearing God, respecting ancestors' spirits, caring for family members, generating wealth, raising and nurturing children, respecting and obeying parents, and prioritizing education.
President Museveni acknowledged the contributions of religions brought by foreigners, asserting that these religions should enrich rather than replace African traditions. He pointed out, however, that traditional practices such as the mistreatment of women and familial rivalries should be eliminated.
The President expressed gratitude to the event organizers and affirmed the government's support for the family as the cornerstone of society. He reiterated the government's stance against homosexuality, describing it as a deviation from normality and rejecting Western perspectives that consider it an alternative lifestyle.
President Museveni also addressed the youth, urging them to lead disciplined lives, respect their parents, focus on their studies, and avoid premature sexual relationships. He encouraged young people to marry only after completing their education.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, spoke about the festival's significance in reminding Ugandans of the family's central role in God's plan. She emphasized the challenges posed by globalization to traditional family values and called for efforts to promote positive norms and combat harmful practices such as defilement and child sacrifice.
Maama Janet highlighted government policies, such as the Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act of 2011, which support cultural institutions in advocating for positive customs. She urged religious and cultural leaders to work together to preserve and promote both cultural and religious values.
The event also featured the Global Peace Foundation honoring President Museveni and Maama Janet for their commitment to family values, culture, and religious freedom in Africa. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, Founder and Chairman of the Global Peace Foundation, reinforced the vision of humanity as one family under God, co-creating with God to build His kingdom.
The festival was organized by the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, the Global Peace Foundation, and the Government of Uganda, aiming to revitalize family values. The event saw participation from Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, ministers, and various religious and cultural leaders. Dr. Joseph Sserwadda, head of the Born-Again Pentecostal faith in Uganda, praised the President for liberalizing the religious sector and highlighted the importance of stable families in building a strong nation.
