Minister Sebugwawo urges clergy to transition into a well-deserved retirement
Drake Nyamugabwa
By Darlington Mabonga
Government has cautioned members of clergy to be steadfast enough in ensuring that they prepare to transition into a well-deserved retirement and avoid incidents of burdening society.
The appeal has been made by the minister of state for ICT and National guidance .Joyce Nabbosa Sebugwawo while officiating at the 4th clergy appreciation and awards dinner gala held at Imperial Royale hotel.
The theme was ‘appreciating clergy for their unwavering resilience, love and steadfast leadership in a rapidly changing world.
The minister also launched the 2nd edition of the life and ministry life journal arthored by the outgoing Bishop of Busoga diocese Rt.Rev.Dr. Paul Moses Samson Naimanhye which detailed the clergyman’s life and ministry journey with a donation of 500k towards the printing costs.
Sebugwawo congratulated Bishop Naimanhye for offering an exemplary leadership within the church and the country at large saying the government appreciates the works the clergy do and wished him a successful retirement.
The keynote address and guest speaker was delivered by visiting provincial secretary Anglican province of Kenya and assistant Bishop Diocese of All Saints cathedral Nairobi Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph Galgalo.
Sebugwawo made a humble contribution of 5m/= towards the Clergy appreciation commission which body is responsible for organizing and appreciating members of clergy who offer both distinguished and outstanding services to their church community.
Prof.Galgalo appreciated the good work done by Bishop Naimanhye and the entire leadership of the Anglican church of Uganda saying the good cordial relationship should continue for the good of the two sister East African community member states.
The dinner was aimed at motivating and understanding the role of a clergy in the different communities because clergy are the icon of faith in life and present in every life experience of every believer.
Bishop Naimanhye pointed out that society needs to appreciate the big role played by the clergy who offer the spiritual nourishment healing services to the flock and together as stakeholders they can effectively bring about lasting peace within their respective communities.
The clergy appreciation commission National coordinator Isaac Sengonzi disclosed that as clergy do counseling and attend to different challenges of the community, they also have challenges in their lives whose roles must be appreciated by stakeholders.
Therefore the commission is there to help many clergy answer their call positively in order to remain relevant wherever they are amidst challenges.
‘This dinner provides an opportunity for Clergy, Sponsors and all christians to learn from each other, network, exhibit, exchange ideas and share experiences on how to deal with the special opportunities and challenges that clergy face when serving in their communities’ noted Sengonzi.
