President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to address the issue of new and modern churches being registered as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
Speaking at the Universal Church Mega Youth Crusade organized by Prophet David Isanga, the spiritual head of the Universal Apostles Fellowship Church of Righteousness in Kaliro, the President emphasized that churches should not be classified as NGOs.
“The periodic registration of new churches as NGOs will be resolved. A church is a church, not an NGO,” President Museveni stated. The Crusade, which was held under the theme *“Remember Your Creator in the Days of Your Youth Before the Days of Evil Come”* (Ecclesiastes 12:1), saw Museveni respond to Prophet Isanga’s request to scrap the NGO classification for churches.
Prophet Isanga noted that his church, the Universal Apostles Fellowship Church of Righteousness, has been required to register as an NGO despite being an indigenous Ugandan church. He urged the President to end this practice and remove the five-year registration fees associated with it.
“We request that these taxes in the name of registering us as NGOs or companies limited by guarantee every five years be scrapped,” Isanga said.
In his address, President Museveni also reiterated his call for the people of Busoga to adopt the 4-acre Model of farming, which he says will help them create wealth. He explained that by following his recommendations, farmers could generate substantial income.
“I saw that you need to do something about homestead incomes with ‘ekibaro’ (calculation) in this area,” Museveni noted, urging people to cultivate coffee, fruits, pasture for zero-grazing cattle, food crops, and engage in poultry and pig farming. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of fish farming near wetlands and the need for proper use of wetlands to increase yields.
Museveni further stressed the need for irrigation to modernize agriculture and improve output, advising the people of Busoga to adopt better wetland management practices.
Turning to the spiritual dimension, the President praised Prophet Isanga and his followers for practicing the “four dimensions of Jesus Christ”: preaching the gospel, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and engaging in productive work. Museveni highlighted the importance of work and personal responsibility, referencing the biblical parable of the Talents.
He also recalled how, when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came to power in 1986, religious leaders urged him to ban the Balokole churches, but he refused, citing biblical teachings.
“Jesus told his disciples not to stop those who were casting out demons in his name. If they are not against us, they are with us,” Museveni explained, adding that his decision allowed for the growth of both new and old churches, creating a new energy in the religious community.
During the event, President Museveni contributed UGX 100 million to the church’s Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO). The Secretary General of the NRM, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, expressed gratitude to Prophet Isanga for inviting them to the Crusade, affirming that the President’s leadership has enabled Ugandans, including the Church, to excel.
Apostle Isanga thanked President Museveni for attending the event, acknowledging the peace and prosperity brought by his leadership. He also commended Museveni for his firm stance against homosexuality and his support for the NRM government, especially among the youth.
The Crusade was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, and other prominent leaders.
