President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that the story of the Uganda Martyrs is proof that it is impossible to suppress correct ideas, especially if they are anchored on Godliness and humanity.
Speaking as the Chief guest at the 2024 Martyrs’ Day celebrations, Museveni said some people have tried to fight new and dynamic ideas, “However, history has taught us that if an idea is correct and progressive, it will eventually triumph.”
He noted that the teachings of Christianity are beneficial for every individual and society as the Gospel helps to cultivate a fear of God and love for other people, regardless of tribe, region or religion.
“The fear of God teaches the believers to guard themselves from engaging in evil practices that are likely to break their communion with the Creator. It makes you accountable to a Heavenly Father, who watches everything that you do, even in darkness. Christians are aware that they will face judgment for their words and actions, here on earth. Therefore, many of the evils, like corruption, embezzlement, defilement, murder, etc., are on account of the lack of Godly guidance, in people’s hearts. The fear of God imparts honesty, integrity and self-control,” said Museveni.
He revealed that NRM’s ideology is anchored on a non-sectarian philosophy. “Our socio-economic agenda for spurring Uganda to modernity and prosperity is built on the foundation of Patriotism, Pan-Africanism and Fraternity. Within Uganda, we promote patriotism to consolidate unity and peaceful co- existence, among our people.”
Museveni noted that outside Uganda, the NRM advocates for East African and African cooperation and integration, as a strategy for guaranteeing greater prosperity and security, for the people.
He noted that what Mwanga did was wrong, saying instead of killing the Christians, he should have encouraged his subjects to embrace the good practices and teachings of the Christian faith.
“Therefore, it was wrong for Kabaka Mwanga to persecute and kill the Christian converts. He should have encouraged his subjects to embrace the good practices and teachings of the Christian faith. They impart holiness and good neighborliness. Nonetheless, the Christian faith was never extinguished by Mwanga’s executions. Christianity continues to grow, because it is divinely inspired. Mwanga was fighting God. He could not win,” said Museveni.
Museveni asked all Christians to forgive Kabaka Mwanga.
“Finally, I would like to use this occasion to remind Christians to work hard to achieve decent and prosperous lives here on earth. I urge the religious leaders to emphasize the fact that man has both spiritual and physical needs. The spiritual needs are satisfied through praying to God, studying the scriptures, listening to religious and moral instruction, fasting, praise and worship etc. These enable a believer to draw closer to God and impart good morals and discipline in relating with other people.”
Adding, “However, there are also physical needs that must be satisfied in order to achieve a happy, fulfilling and productive life. They include: food, water, shelter, medicine, hospitals, schools, clothes, transport, a job etc. In a modern economy, you cannot obtain the goods and services which are necessary to sustain life without money.
Therefore, the first step that must be taken by an individual or household is to eliminate moneylessness or subsistence living, which satisfies only one need i.e. food.”
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