JINJA — The Minister for the Presidency and Woman Member of Parliament for Budiope West, Milly Babirye Babalanda, has urged religious and political leaders to work together in promoting moral values, fighting corruption and improving service delivery, saying the country’s development depends on responsible leadership and God-fearing citizens.
Babalanda made the remarks while officiating at celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the priesthood of Rev. Fr. Anthony Musana at Wansimba Parish Pastoral Council in Namagera Town Council, Jinja District.
The thanksgiving ceremony was held under the theme, “The Favours of the Lord I Will Recall” from Isaiah 63:7.
Addressing the congregation, the minister conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni, and staff from the Office of the President.
She commended Rev. Fr. Musana for dedicating 25 years to the priesthood and praised his contribution to nurturing faith and moral values within communities.
Babalanda also thanked the priest’s family for raising him in the Christian faith, citing Proverbs 22:6, which encourages parents to train children in the right way so they remain steadfast throughout their lives.
She said religious and political leaders play complementary roles in shaping society, noting that while their responsibilities differ, both are committed to serving the people and safeguarding the nation’s well-being.
“A nation with both good religious and political leaders has its people guided in the right direction, and this leads to peaceful communities,” she said.
According to the minister, God-fearing citizens are more likely to reject corruption, uphold honesty and promote integrity in homes, schools, markets and workplaces. She added that faith-based institutions also play a critical role in fostering dialogue, reconciliation and healing during periods of political or tribal tension.
Babalanda called on religious leaders to intensify preaching against corruption, arguing that the vice has eroded public trust in some government institutions and affected service delivery, particularly at the grassroots.
“A strong nation needs both moral citizens and responsible leaders working as partners to influence equitable service delivery and transform the economy,” she said.
The minister also urged Ugandans to embrace the government’s Four-Acre Model as a strategy for household wealth creation and encouraged communities to take advantage of programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project.
With Uganda entering the final phase of the ongoing Local Council elections, Babalanda appealed to voters to support National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearers, saying local councils are central to community development and the implementation of government programmes.
She said Local Council leaders oversee the identification and monitoring of PDM beneficiaries while also playing a key role in maintaining security at the village level.
According to Babalanda, NRM candidates understand President Museveni’s vision for wealth creation through initiatives such as PDM, Emyooga, infrastructure development, electricity expansion, healthcare improvement and security enhancement.
She further appealed to leaders across the Busoga sub-region to work together in tackling poverty and ensuring government development programmes reach every household.
Speaking at the celebration, Rev. Fr. Anthony Musana thanked Minister Babalanda for accepting his invitation to serve as chief guest during his silver jubilee celebrations.
He praised her for what he described as her dedication, patriotism and commitment to mobilising support for the NRM.
The celebrations attracted several dignitaries, including Justice Batema Ndikabona, Registrar of the High Court, Deputy Clerk to Parliament Hon. Kintu, Jinja District Woman MP Hon. Peace Tibyabaze, Jinja Northern Division MP Hon. Hussein Muyonjo, Kamuli Municipality MP Hon. Namatovu Masitula, Ambassador Stephen Mubiru, Rev. Fr. Mwase, local leaders and hundreds of faithful from across the Busoga sub-region.
English 