The State Minister for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysestom Muyingo, has urged residents of Bumanika constituency to prioritise improving their livelihoods rather than getting swept up in the political fervor surrounding the upcoming 2026 general elections.
He made the call during a ceremony at St. Bruno Sserunkuuma Catholic Church in Kikyusa Parish, Kasana-Luwero Diocese.
Speaking to the gathered congregation, Dr. Muyingo, specifically addressing the youth, cautioned against placing too much faith in political promises that often go unfulfilled once elections conclude.
“Politicians tend to forget the people who put them in power. I encourage you, especially the youth, to work on improving your lives instead of getting caught up in the political hype,” Dr. Muyingo said.
He further lamented that many residents have overlooked poverty alleviation programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), GROW, and Emyooga due to being distracted by political activities.
“It’s unfortunate that many are ignoring government programs designed to reduce poverty. This is contributing to the rising rates of poverty, and we must change that,” he emphasised.
Dr. Muyingo’s remarks were made during a ceremony celebrating 28 years of service for St. Bruno Sserunkuuma Catholic Church, where 108 children were confirmed. The event was officiated by Monsignor Francis Xavier Mpanga, Vicar General of the Kasana-Luwero Diocese.
In his address, Msgr. Mpanga reflected on the church’s early challenges, recounting that some locals had initially resisted the parish’s establishment due to the land’s association with the tragic events of the NRA war in the 1980s and its former use as a shrine by traditional healers.
“This was a place where many relatives were killed during the NRA war. Some also considered it sacred because of a tree used as a shrine by traditional healers,” explained Msgr. Mpanga.
He praised the parishioners’ resilience and faith in overcoming these obstacles, stating, “Through prayer, we overcame all difficulties, and today, we celebrate this milestone.”
Father Peter Ekunu, the parish priest, also thanked the congregation for their unwavering support over the years and outlined future plans aimed at improving the economic well-being of the community. He highlighted the success of recent developments, including the construction of a new church building and surrounding fence.
“We are committed to empowering our community economically, and farming will play a key role in this strategy,” Fr. Ekunu said.
The celebrations served as a reminder of the important intersection between faith and community development, as residents were encouraged to take advantage of government programs and work together to uplift their spiritual and material livelihoods amidst Uganda’s current challenges.
