Todwong the SG of NRM interacting with Dr. Omona as Odama (right), Sheikh Musa Khelil and other religious leaders look on during the engagement. Photos by Arnest Tumwesige
By Arnest Tumwesige
Gulu: Leading a congregation weighed down by poverty is not easy, especially when the faithful are only encouraged to come to places of worship daily without being empowered to improve their livelihoods.
Without mincing words, Richard Todwong, the Secretary General (SG) of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), criticized a section of religious leaders, particularly from Pentecostal churches, for promoting such practices.
Todwong urged pastors to encourage their flocks to engage in productive work and to take interest in their social and economic well-being, rather than focusing exclusively on the spiritual.
“Surprise them. Say, I want to come and visit your home. You will see how that Christian will run around to even borrow chairs, and you will witness their progress. Be part of their lives. Ask how they live. By doing that, you bring them closer to the church,” he advised.
He noted that government and religious leaders have often operated like enemies, each ignoring the other’s efforts. Instead of focusing on positive contributions, some religious leaders resort, during Sunday prayers, to criticizing individual political leaders.
“Connect your teaching to the household. We are going to launch our party manifesto, and 80% of it is about fighting household poverty. A household needs peace and security, and secondly, basic human needs. Food is very key if someone is hungry and comes to church, they will not even listen to the gospel,” Todwong emphasized.
He reminded the leaders that while Uganda has enjoyed peace for more than 40 years, the Acholi sub-region has only experienced total peace for 17 years. He therefore called for unity and cooperation with government to avoid sending conflicting messages.
Building Trust with ARLPI
The engagement, held last Thursday at the Gulu Logistics Hub in Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu City, brought together religious leaders under their umbrella body the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI).
They were guided on opportunities available in the region that can spur development.
Anchored on the theme “Walking by Vision, Not Ambition,” Kenneth Oketa, Chairperson of the Information Management Committee (IMC) under Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), highlighted that despite heavy government investment in the region, development remains low.
“It is a question of mindset. Religious leaders should know that it is not just about preparing flowers for the Kingdom of Heaven, but also for the Kingdom on Earth living good and decent lives,” Oketa explained.
He further underscored the historical role of religious leaders in Northern Uganda, citing their contribution to the peace process and to founding important institutions such as the Uganda Development Corporation, which was initiated by the Church Missionary Society as a company.
The engagement attracted over 250 participants drawn from all districts and the city in the Acholi sub-region, cutting across all faiths.
Transforming Society Together
Dr. Kenneth Omona, the State Minister for Northern Uganda, observed that transforming society is not the sole responsibility of politicians but also involves religious and cultural leaders.
He expressed disappointment at some leaders whom he described as “detractors to development” for misleading their followers with wrong information about progress in the region.
“The greatest hope of society is vested in religious leaders, unlike politicians who sometimes fail because of lies,” Dr. Omona said.
Dr. Emeritus Archbishop John Baptist Odama of the Archdiocese of Gulu reminded participants that churches and mosques have long played a complementary role in fostering development, through projects such as schools, health facilities, and income generating activities.
Delivering a joint communication on behalf of ARLPI, Archbishop Odama assured government that religious leaders are committed to tackling poverty, which he stressed does not belong to any religion.
Sheikh Musa Khelil, the Northern Uganda Regional Assistant to the Mufti, applauded OWC for bringing religious leaders together to discuss peace and development.
He noted that ARLPI has played a pivotal role in restoring peace in Acholi, but dwindling funding has hampered its work. He therefore appealed to government for support.
