What you need to know:
- “Your Excellency, we appeal for your support. We also want you to meet the religious leaders to discuss our participation in the various government development programmes,'' they said.
A section of Born Again pastors from Central Region districts have appealed to President Museveni for tractors to boost commercial farming initiatives and drive wealth creation among Christians in their pastoral areas.
The religious leaders are requesting at least 20 tractors from the President to facilitate large-scale agricultural projects aimed at mobilising young people into productive, income-generating ventures.
Speaking during the 3rd Annual Revival Crusade and Conference at Lubowa grounds in Wakiso District on October 11, 2026, Dr. Leonard Sserwadda, the head of the churches' development initiatives, outlined the vision behind the request.
“We intend to use the Churches as Centres for promoting agricultural production, value addition and youth employment. We can transform this Nation through agriculture programs that ensure food security and incomes for families,” Dr Sserwadda said.
Bishop Thomson Enock Byamugisha, the Overseer of the Churches in Makindye-Ssabagabo, emphasised that the tractors would enable pastors across the Central Region to train youth in modern commercial farming practices, boost the production of livestock pasture grasses, and encourage the adoption of climate-smart techniques like irrigation amid unpredictable weather patterns.
“Your Excellency, we appeal for your support. We also want you to meet the religious leaders to discuss our participation in the various government development programmes. Some Born Again Christians have been left out of the various programmes, including the PDM and Emyooga,” Bishop Byamugisha said while delivering the petition.
The petition was presented directly to Lands, Housing, and Urban Development Minister Judith Nabakooba, who represented President Museveni at the week-long conference scheduled to conclude on October 18, 2026.
In his speech delivered by Minister Nabakooba, President Museveni rallied the faithful to move away from subsistence farming, which still accounts for a significant portion of household livelihoods across the country.
“Subsistence farming will tie you to poverty because whatever you need in this modern era can be accessed using money. Take advantage of the different government programmes to invest in productive enterprises,” President Museveni urged the congregation.
The President pointed to commercial agriculture, services, industry, and information and communication technology (ICT) as the four main sectors capable of generating sustainable jobs and wealth for Ugandans.
He noted that the government has continually invested in strategic infrastructure—including roads, electricity, peace and security, and market integration—to support local businesses and attract foreign investments.
The conference, which also served as a platform to celebrate 40 years of peace and stability in Uganda, brought together local and international religious leaders for prayer, leadership training, and spiritual renewal.
Dr Patrick Semambo, the conference organiser under the Christian Life Embassy Church, called on the faithful to embrace teamwork, unity, and brotherhood while serving both God and humanity.