Religious leaders task govt to address governance issues, decry budget cut

By our reporter

Clergies under their umbrella body Inter-religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) have tasked government to address a number of governance issues and made resolutions for government to act upon.

The clergies argue that if government act upon issues on torture of political opponents, acute unemployment, corruption and revival of national dialogue among others, it would be easier for the country to achieve socio-economic transformation agenda.

The clergies made their demands in Entebbe during a governance retreat themed “Harnessing the power, assets, and potential of faith communities to drive social transformation amidst the current dynamics.

His Grace the most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, the Arcbishop of Anglican Church as well as the Chairperson of council of presidents of Inter-religious Council of Uganda, advised government that for it to attain socio-economic transformation there is need to promote peace and reconciliation initiatives in addition to reviving the national dialogue to dialogue on issues that affect people.

Kaziimba also slammed goverment for slashing their budget up from Shs 2billion to Shs 500m saying this affects smooth running of their activities.

Dr. Apostle Joseph Serwadda, the president of Born- again christian faith, challenged government to work hand in hand with religious leaders to incalcate moral values in people so as to address transparency and accountability issues.

Dr. Serwadda also asked government to establish a ministry for guidance and religious affairs that will advise government on how best to handle it’s political opponents in addition to ending unwanted abductions.

While reacting to issues raised by religious leaders , Premier Robina Nabanjja, disagreed with religious leaders on tormenting and abducting political opponents and also blamed them for tarnishing her office in the iron sheets saga.

Premier Nabanjja implored clergies to mobilize locals to embrace government development programs like the parish development model among others.

She criticized clergies and the media for putting her name in the spotlight of Karamoja iron sheets scandal saying she is the one who instructed the internal security organization to liase with police to investigate the Karamoja iron sheets.