President Museveni has praised the Seventh-day Adventist Church for its sustained contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, highlighting its role in expanding education, healthcare, and community development initiatives across the country.
The President’s message, delivered by Second Deputy Prime Minister Crispus Kiyonga, was read during the installation ceremony of the new West Buganda Field Bishop, Godfrey Lubwama, held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kiyudaya, Mityana Municipality.
The event drew hundreds of faithful from Mityana and surrounding districts, alongside religious leaders, government officials, and cultural representatives.
In his message, Museveni commended the church for complementing government efforts through investments in schools, hospitals, and other social services that continue to improve livelihoods.
“The Seventh-day Adventist Church has played a significant role in supporting national development through education, healthcare and community service. Government appreciates these efforts because they directly improve the lives of our people,” the President’s message stated.
He also urged religious leaders to guide their congregations towards wealth creation activities, particularly commercial agriculture and other income-generating ventures, as a pathway out of poverty.
“Faith should go hand in hand with economic empowerment. Religious leaders have a responsibility to guide communities towards activities that improve household incomes and promote self-reliance,” the message added.
Speaking after his installation, Bishop Lubwama pledged to promote unity within the church and strengthen collaboration in evangelism and community development.
“I am committed to serving with humility, promoting teamwork and ensuring that together we strengthen both the spiritual and social well-being of our communities,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by senior church leaders led by the Archbishop of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda, Samuel Kajoba, as well as government officials and representatives from the Buganda Kingdom.
Buganda Kingdom leaders and other speakers emphasised integrity, transparency, and accountability in leadership as key pillars for national development.
Participants further encouraged stronger partnerships between faith-based institutions and government in delivering quality education, healthcare, and social services to improve community welfare across Uganda.
