On the occasion of Okusiibulukuka (Eid al-fitr), I would like to congratulate all our Moslem People on fulfilling that religious obligation. As I always tell Ugandans, since I am from the tradition of wealth-creators (okutuunga), I always insist that believers in the new faiths of Islam and Christianity, should be examples to the rest of society in that effort of creating prosperity here on Earth as we prepare to go to heaven. It is now 183 years since the first messenger of the new religion, an Arab from Zanzibar by names of Ibrahim, arrived in Uganda.
As a follower of one of the new religions, Christianity, but also a firm traditional munyankore, I can testify that the new religions, definitely added value to the quality of our lives if you grasp the correct interpretation of the religious teachings that do not decampaign work and promote the idea of miracle wealth without work. In my own life, I have seen a number of phenomena of divine intervention that facilitated our work. However, those divine interventions, were on top of our tireless work. “Lubaale mbeera, nembiro kwatadde” (God helps those who help themselves), our ancestors pointed out.
Therefore, all believers and everybody else, please engage in wealth creation in the sectors of commercial agriculture with ekibaro (cura, aimar, otita); artisanship and manufacturing; services; and ICT.
In Ntungamo, we despised anybody – child or adult – that did not participate in any of the sectors that were available that time, either as an owner of the respective wealth forms or as an employee. Such a person would be called ekiraare and would never get a wife if he was a man. If she was a woman, she would be called ekifwa-mutima (disoriented) and would be divorced (okusheenda). Christianity definitely values hard work. The parable of talents in the book of Matthew 25:14-30 teaches us to put our abilities to productive use and not just store them waiting for salvation.
Indeed, in the book of 2 Thessalonians 3:10, St. Paul says, that if you do not work, you should not eat. I am sure Islam has similar teachings. It is, therefore, not Godly to have a situation like we had in 2013, where 68% of homesteads in Uganda, were outside the money economy! That is when I had to intervene with the Army with OWC. Yet, this was a country that was 96% Christian and Moslem. This does not give glory to God. OWC, under Gen Saleh, apparently reduced this figure to 39% – mainly Christians and Moslems – of People that are still outside the money economy. This is still a big shame. I salute the Ugandans that have got out of this shame. They are living a better life. Let nobody remain behind, please. It is a challenge to the political leaders of the respective areas. However, the religious leaders, the cultural leaders, the parents etc., will also be blessed by God if they are amplifying this message of the NRM and of common sense.
May the Almighty God bless you all.
