By Watera Atai,
REGIONAL
The deputy Speaker of parliament Thomas Tayebwa has expressed government’s plans to turn Karamoja into a food basket for the North-Eastern region.
“Karamoja sub-region has the great potential to turn it into the food basket for the region and entire country. As the government, we intend to focus on irrigation to ensure that food production in this region increases. We want to tackle the issue of food security unreservedly.” Rt. Hon. Tayebwa said.
He made the remarks on Sunday (February 12) when he was representing the president at the consecration ceremony of North Karamoja Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. Simon Akol Aisu held at Christ Church Cathedral, Kotido.
The deputy Speaker further expressed concerns about business companies and individuals who come to Karamoja and take minerals and other riches but, do not support the region in terms of agriculture.
He urged the Karamojongs to embrace agriculture especially when government rolls out the irrigation program.
Tayebwa also commended CoU Archbishop Kaziimba and the Province of the Church of Uganda for standing firm on the teachings about family and denouncing same sex marriages.
“We have been providing raw materials to foreign countries over the years, they made a lot of money and forgot about God and his teaching on family. Now, we have to give them the moral raw material. I thank Archbishop Kaziimba for leading the Church of Uganda to give a profound statement against same sex marriages. Be assured of all the necessary support you need.”
The consecration service was presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu who expressed concern about the insecurity in Karamoja region and called for free and compulsory education for all.
“I am very concerned about the continuing insecurity in parts of the Diocese and Karamoja region in general. I appeal that such must stop in order to allow growth and development in the region. Education can not happen when there is insecurity. Insecurity brings hunger, anger and famine because people can not engage in agricultural activities freely.” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
Speaking shortly after he was consecrated a Bishop, Bishop Aisu pledged to focus on mission and evangelism, capacity building and staff welfare and to organize annual Diocesan fellowship of Clergy and their spouses to build unity and spiritual growth among the pastoral staff of the Diocese.
He pledged to promote and support government programs that promote academic and moral development of Children and the nation.
“We will be active partners with Ministry of Education and Sports to ensure that standard and quality education is given to Children.” Bishop Aisu said.
On Church development, Bishop Aisu said that through their development arm, North Karamoja Diocese will continue to contribute to the improvement of social economic wellbeing of vulnerable individuals and households focusing on sustainable livelihood, water, sanitation and hygiene, climate change and natural resource management.
On health and medical care, he pledged to work with health management committees of Church of Uganda founded health units and the District administration to ensure that they save lives and give care to people and link them with Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau for easy access to health services.
Bishop Aisu called for peace, unity and reconciliation and called for government of Uganda, development partners and people of goodwill to support the Diocese in mission and evangelism.
He committed to ensure proper and responsible utilization of human, financial, natural and technological resources and urged Christians to put to good use the precious resources at their disposal.
The retreat leader and preacher of the day, Rt Rev Prof. Alfred Olwa, the Bishop of Lango Diocese charged Bishop Aisu to stand firm on the gospel, to speak and lift the word of God.
There are a lot of expectations from you now that you have become a Bishop. You must henceforth live an exemplary life that dignifies the glory of Jesus Christ. You must ensure that you advocate for reading of the bible in this Diocese and beyond.” Prof. Olwa said.
President pledged to support the new Bishop with a brand new car which will be delivered tomorrow (February 13) before Mid day and made several financial contributions to the Bishop and the Diocese.
