President Museveni has called on Uganda’s religious groups, particularly born-again leaders, to embrace the freedoms his NRM government has restored and to guide congregations in addressing poverty.
Delivering his New Year’s messages across Pentecostal and other churches, Museveni reminded worshippers that before his government, many believers prayed in secrecy.
‘There was a time when people could not freely pray. Many believers were forced into hiding, and particularly born-again Christians were not accepted to worship openly,’ Museveni said through Peace Mutuuzo, the state minister for gender, at Pastor Joseph Serwadda’s Passover celebrations at Doxa Grounds in Lubowa.
He stressed that today, ‘every Ugandan is free to worship without fear, and no one will be allowed to disturb the peace we currently enjoy,’ urging churches to remain pillars of national cohesion.
‘The Church must remain a pillar in resolving conflicts, promoting unity and peace, and conserving our environment,’ Museveni said.
He also encouraged religious institutions to help families improve household incomes and livelihoods.
‘Promoting wealth creation through faith’
At Pastor David Isanga’s overnight celebrations in Kilama, Kaliro District, Museveni commended the Universal Apostles Fellowship Church of Righteousness for emphasizing wealth and job creation in ministry.
‘I thank you for encouraging believers to work hard and embrace government programs aimed at eradicating poverty,’ he said, delivered by Haji Faruk Kirunda, Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization, during the church’s End-of-Year Glorification and Thanksgiving Convention.
Museveni noted the importance of balancing spiritual and physical needs saying: ‘The spiritual needs are satisfied through prayer, scripture study, moral instruction, fasting, praise, and worship. However, there are also physical needs that must be satisfied-food, water, shelter, medicine, schools, transport, and jobs.’
He urged religious leaders to guide their congregations toward practical action for improved standards of living, warning that neglecting earthly responsibilities can entrench socio-economic backwardness.
Faith and celebration across denominations
At Munyonyo Catholic Shrine gardens, worshippers celebrated with candles, music, and prayer. Fr. Martin Ssemanda of Munyonyo Catholic Basilica called on Christians to commit their New Year resolutions to God, particularly in light of the January 15 elections.
‘May this new year bring anything that was ordained for you. The Lord has never left us alone; he will help us through, especially as we look forward to voting for our leaders,’ Fr. Ssemanda said.
Prophet David also thanked Museveni for government programs like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, which he said have supported Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Across the country, churches are entering 2026 with a dual focus on spiritual renewal and practical guidance for community development amid calls for a peaceful General Election.