Museveni at 28th National Prayer Breakfast: Link Faith to Hard Work and Wealth Creation

8 October 2026, 6:52 pm

By Frank Oyugi

KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to demonstrate their faith through productive work, emphasizing that practical faith must translate into tangible wealth creation, job opportunities, and socio-economic transformation across the country.

Speaking at the 28th National Prayer Breakfast held at State House, Entebbe, ahead of Uganda’s Independence Day celebrations, the President highlighted the connection between spiritual belief and economic productivity. Drawing from biblical teachings, particularly the Book of Genesis, President Museveni reminded the congregation that humanity was granted responsibility and dominion over nature to work and transform the earth.

This year’s National Prayer Breakfast was held under the theme: “Wake Up. Work Hard. Build Uganda.”

Commending Local Wealth Creators

The President praised Ugandans who have embraced wealth-creation initiatives and established enterprises that generate employment. He made specific reference to business icon Gaster Lule Ntake, proprietor of Ntake Bakery, and South Ankole Diocesan Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe, both of whom shared inspiring testimonies of their commercial and community development interventions during the event.

Referencing global history, President Museveni pointed to the Puritans in the United States, whose work ethic helped shape America’s early development trajectory, urging Ugandans to emulate a similar dedication to hard work.

Guidance for African Youth & Demographic Advantage

Addressing the continent’s future, President Museveni called on African youth to seek proper guidance and gain a clear, strategic understanding of global dynamics if they are to become effective leaders.

Building on the keynote address delivered by the former Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Eduard Heger, President Museveni warned young Africans to remain vigilant against divisive agendas and misleading external influences.

He highlighted that Africa’s growing population provides a stable, expanding internal market—giving the continent a major strategic advantage over regions in Europe currently experiencing demographic declines. Africa, he noted, is steadily progressing toward the full realization of its social and economic aspirations.

Origins of the National Prayer Breakfast

President Museveni also reflected on the historical reasons behind Uganda’s adoption of the National Prayer Breakfast, explaining how the interdenominational concept was borrowed from the United States to anchor the nation on a spiritual path.

He recalled a historic visit to the U.S. where he engaged with American senators who shared the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) core principles of non-sectarianism. The platform was instituted to reject tribal and religious divisions, promote peaceful co-existence, and counter historical religious hostilities.

Independence Goodwill & Gratitude

Concluding his address, President Museveni extended warm congratulations to all Ugandans as the nation prepares to mark its Independence Day. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for preserving the health and strength of First Lady Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni.