Clergy men and women serving in Bukedi Diocese are demanding a special poverty alleviation programme targeting members of the clergy.
Rev. George Okiror Etyang, the Archdeacon of Budaka Archdeaconry, says programmes such as Parish Development Model (PDM) and other capital ventures that aim to uplift communities should also be extended to the clergy to improve their welfare.
Rev. Okiror made the appeal on behalf of other members of the clergy in the diocese during an interface with the deputy communications officer for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, Rogers Mulindwa, at St. Peter’s Cathedral Tororo.
Mulindwa had paid a spot visit to the Diocese and handed over copies of the Bukedi Sub Region Service Delivery handbooks.
“Some people say that we the religious leaders will get our reward in future from heaven. That is true, however, we also need to enjoy the blessings on earth and therefore we request government to consider availing us with start-up capital,” Rev. Okiror said.
His request was backed by Bukedi diocese Bishop Samuel George Egesa Bogere, who said religious leaders too have numerous requirements because they have children to educate, families to take care of, and other needs to meet on a daily basis.
“Omukulu, these servants of God entirely depend on voluntary gifts from kind-hearted Christians because the offerings collected during prayers are supposed to be used by the Clergy and promote the work of God but once they are also empowered they will find it easy to look after their welfare,” the Bishop said.
Bishop Egesa thanked the NRM government for the stability and unity it has brought to the country and urged his juniors to use the pulpits to educate the masses on the achievements brought about by the sitting government, especially as the country gears up for the 2026 general elections.
According to Mulindwa, his spot visit is part of the NRM party strategy to draw support from religious leaders to continue educating the masses on the importance of peace. He acknowledged the request by the clergy, adding that it would be forwarded to the relevant authorities for action.