Nekesa Calls on Churches to Champion Poverty Eradication, National Unity and Peace

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer, Hon. Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo, has called on religious leaders across Uganda to complement their spiritual responsibilities with efforts to promote economic empowerment, poverty eradication, national unity and peaceful coexistence.

 Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo (L) having a light moment with the Female Workers Representative MP Hon. Fiona Nakku(R). 

Nekesa made the call while presiding as Guest of Honour at a fundraising dinner organised by Kazo Seventh-day Adventist Church at Hotel Africana's Volta Hall on Thursday, November 5, 2026. 

The fundraising dinner sought to raise UGX150 million to facilitate the purchase of land adjoining the church premises to provide additional space for expansion, construction of a pastor's residence and development of adequate parking facilities.

In her address, Nekesa applauded the NRM government, particularly President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for maintaining an environment that allows Ugandans to freely practise their different religious beliefs without discrimination.

She observed that freedom of worship remains one of the important achievements of the country, noting that Uganda has continued to provide an environment in which different religious denominations can assemble, worship and undertake their spiritual activities.

Nekesa also commended the government's recognition of the importance of faith and spirituality in national development, emphasising that God remains central to the country's survival and progress.

She urged Ugandans to remain prayerful and acknowledge God's intervention in the country's history, particularly during challenging periods marked by public health emergencies.

Reflecting on the challenges Uganda has experienced, including nodding disease in Northern Uganda, Ebola outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic, Nekesa said the country had much to be grateful for, crediting God's protection for its continued resilience.

"You realise that we are surviving because of God as a country, and according to Uganda's motto, 'For God and My Country'," Nekesa said.

She added that she appreciated the government's understanding of the spiritual dimension of national life and the importance of allowing religious institutions to contribute to the country's moral and social development.

The NRM National Treasurer further called on religious leaders to work closely with government in sensitising citizens about poverty eradication, arguing that economic empowerment is essential for communities to meaningfully participate in development and support religious activities.

Recalling the values instilled in society during her upbringing, Nekesa said coming together for God's cause was an important foundation for wisdom, unity and collective responsibility.

She challenged church leaders to use their platforms to encourage their congregations to work hard, embrace productive activities and take advantage of government development initiatives aimed at improving household incomes.

"When we chase poverty, we shall be able to do the work of the Lord, and citizens will enjoy the fruits of development," she said.

Nekesa emphasised that while faith provides spiritual guidance and prepares believers for everlasting life, financial resources are equally necessary to sustain religious institutions and facilitate their activities.

She observed that churches require resources to construct and maintain places of worship, support their leaders, undertake community programmes and extend their services to more people.

"Money is important in every aspect. As leaders of churches, we have to give one sense of direction to our people. We need the faith which will give us everlasting life, but while we last on earth, we need money to carry out God's work," she said.

She maintained that fighting poverty should not be treated as an optional undertaking but as a collective responsibility for leaders, religious institutions and citizens if communities are to achieve meaningful development.

Beyond economic empowerment, Nekesa called on religious leaders to intensify messages of unity, togetherness and peaceful coexistence, warning against individuals and groups whose statements and actions promote division within communities.

She specifically cautioned against sectarian statements and other forms of divisive rhetoric, urging churches to become centres of reconciliation, tolerance and national cohesion.

Nekesa said the NRM government came into power with a deliberate commitment to promoting peace, freedom and unity, adding that these values should continue to guide the country's leadership and citizens.

She encouraged religious leaders to provide their congregations with a common message that brings people together regardless of their religious, cultural, ethnic or political differences.

Her remarks placed particular emphasis on the responsibility of churches not only to nurture the spiritual lives of believers but also to contribute to national development by promoting hard work, economic independence and peaceful coexistence.

The Kazo Seventh-day Adventist Church fundraising dinner brought together church leaders, members, invited guests and well-wishers to mobilise financial support for the congregation's planned expansion.

The UGX150 million fundraising target is intended to secure the adjoining land, which the church considers important for accommodating its growing needs, including additional space for worship-related activities, a pastor's residence and parking facilities.

The church organising committee had invited Nekesa as Guest of Honour, appealing for her presence and financial support towards what it described as a noble cause in advancing God's work.

The fundraising initiative highlights the importance of community participation, partnerships and collective financial mobilisation in developing religious institutions and expanding their capacity to serve congregations.

Nekesa's message reinforced the need for a balanced approach to national development in which spiritual values, economic empowerment and social cohesion complement one another.

She urged churches to remain active partners in building a peaceful, united and prosperous Uganda, stressing that the fight against poverty and the promotion of unity are essential responsibilities in advancing both community welfare and the country's broader development agenda.