Joseph Eigu Onyango
Soroti, 9/9/2009.
President warns Teso NAADS officials.
President Yoweri Museveni has strongly warned National Agricultural and Advisory Services (NAADS) officials in Teso sub-region in particular and Uganda in general, who divert NAADS funds for their personal gains, to be ready to go to jail.
The President was today the chief guest at the consecration and enthronement of the 5th Anglican Bishop of Soroti Diocese, the Rt. Rev. George Erwau. The colourful ceremony that was presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, took place in Soroti Sports Grounds, Soroti Municipality.
Bishop Erwau replaces Bishop Charles Obaikol, who has served as Soroti Diocesan prelate for the last 9 years.
President Museveni told the cheering congregation that the Central Government remits a lot of money to the districts in the country which funds are diverted for personal gains by unscrupulous officials. He told them that between 2001 and 2006, NAADS money amounting to Shs.150 billion, was misused.
He warned that the new regulations, which stipulate that 70% of the money be use for planting materials as well as domestic animals and the 30% be put to administration, should be adhered to strictly. The President noted that some NAADS officials have of late developed the habit of diverting NAADS funds on irrelevant activities.
“Some people have diverted money for buying cow dung and grass. Can you imagine contracting people to buy cow dung and grass? This is all to steal people’s money”, he said.
He urged wanainchi to demand accountability from such officials. “You should also ask them that where is our money, which the President talked about?”, he told the congregation.
The President, who was sorry for the famine experienced in the region, promised continued food relief to the area and disclosed that Shs.12 million has been used in each sub-county to assist the population with planting materials and improved animals. He also pledged to provide wanainchi with hoes that will enable people to plant potatoes and other food crops.
Mr. Museveni, however, observed that NAADS had done well in some areas like the growing of citrus fruits and oranges in Teso sub-region.
“Two million trees have been planted and some people were worried about the market. But I want to assure you that the government is going to build a fruit processing plant in Soroti either by the private sector or by UDC {Uganda Development Corporation} which has been revived and facilitated”, he said.
The President commended the new Diocesan bishop of Soroti for his ambitious plan of a holistic approach in building the church.
“Just like Jesus who preached the Gospel healed the sick and fed the hungry, so you should also be mindful of income generating activities which are very important for the church. We don’t need to have starving catechists around”, he told the amused congregation.
President Museveni, therefore, challenged leaders from Teso sub-region, especially the elite, to help the church construct a commercial building in Soroti Municipality that will enable it generate income for self-sustainability.
“The church can not be a burden to her followers. You Kampala people, especially the elite, the money you spend in bars should be used to help the church build its economic base”, the President advised.
He pledged support to such activities once the people themselves start them. President Museveni expressed his gratitude for the peace now prevailing in Teso.
“I told you that I will bring peace to Teso. Some people were skeptical but we now have peace that is here to stay, no one will disturb the peace of Uganda”, the President said.
Mr. Museveni added that the Karimojong cattle rustlers have been contained and advised people of Teso to concentrate on development activities.
The President later donated a brand new Pajero Mitsubishi vehicle to the new bishop of Soroti diocese for his pastoral duties.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, who thanked President Museveni for gracing the occasion, called on him to continue with his fight against corruption.
“Mr. President, you should continue with the culture of zero tolerance to corruption. We shall support you. We should rid our country of the vice, if not it will kill our nation”, the prelate cautioned.
The new Bishop of Soroti diocese, who was flanked by his wife Florence Erwau and members of the family, in his maiden speech, outlined his vision and mission in his term of office which include building a diocese that is spiritually mature and able to sustain its growth and development as it serves God’s people.
“My mission will be to help Christians of all ages in the diocese, to first seek the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, then other things will be given to them as well”, he said quoting from the Gospel of St. Matthew Chapter 6 Verse 33.
The outgoing bishop, the Rt. Rev. Obaikol, thanked Christians in Soroti diocese for their love and support. He also thanked government for always being by the side of the people of Teso at all times of need.
MPs from Teso Sub-region, religious and Soroti district leaders, among others, attended the function.
