Museveni Hails Churches for Championing Wealth Creation at Kayanja’s ‘Command the Future’ Conference
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday morning delivered a message laced with scripture, leadership counsel, and a strong call to wealth creation as he addressed thousands gathered at the “Command the Future” Conference at Miracle Center Cathedral, Rubaga.
The annual faith summit, hosted by Pastors Robert and Jessica Kayanja, commenced on Wednesday, November 12, and will run until Sunday, drawing delegates from more than ten countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Sudan, and South Sudan. By Friday, the cathedral was filled with local and international believers, making it one of Uganda’s biggest Christian gatherings this year.
Before taking the podium, President Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni held a brief closed-door meeting with Pastor Kayanja and renowned American evangelist Paula White. The President later commissioned the cathedral’s new entry and exit gates—still under construction—prompting applause from the congregation.
Kayanja: “Poverty is leaving the church”
Pastor Kayanja set the tone with an intense prayer session, declaring repeatedly that poverty was being broken off the church. He invited leaders including General York, Paula White, Dr. Paul Enenche, and Pastor Jessica to join him in praying for Uganda.
He then delivered an emotional tribute to Museveni, recalling the humble beginnings of Miracle Center.
“Your Excellency, in 1986 they didn’t want us to worship here. But you said, ‘Let them worship.’ We were only 10,000 then. Now we are 14.9 million believers in Uganda,”
Kayanja said as the congregation cheered.
He credited the church’s community projects—youth programs, farms, schools, and markets—to the peace and stability ushered in under the current government.
When he took the microphone, Museveni delivered what many described as a brief but pastoral message titled “God’s Creation.” He reflected on his days in the Scripture Union in the 1960s, joking that he might have become a bishop “if liberation politics hadn’t taken over.”
Museveni said Christian teaching had significantly influenced his leadership, particularly on matters of religious freedom. He recalled an instance when some leaders sought to ban a youth fellowship.
“I remembered the Bible,” he said.
“When the disciples told Jesus to stop others casting out demons, Jesus said, ‘If they are not against us, they are with us.’ So I refused to discriminate.”
The President thanked churches for embracing wealth creation, linking it to biblical principles and referencing Jesus’ own work as a carpenter.
He likened the church’s efforts to the Puritan work ethic that shaped early America—placing emphasis on discipline, economic empowerment, and community transformation.
“Let your light so shine before men that they see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven,”
Museveni urged.
A Moment of Blessing and Celebration
After his message, the President blessed the congregation and interacted with visiting clergy. Pastor Kayanja later invited several government officials—including Minister for Kampala Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Minister Phiona Nyamutoro, and the NRM Secretary—to join him on stage.
Before Museveni’s departure, families of international preachers, including Paula White’s delegation, were escorted for official photographs with him—sparking excitement and cheers across the cathedral.
As the President exited, Pastor Kayanja reminded attendees that sermons from Paula White and Dr. Paul Enenche would follow.
A Convergence of Faith and National Leadership
What began as a spiritual convocation evolved into a moment of national significance, highlighting the intertwined relationship between Uganda’s faith community and the state. The conference continues to attract thousands who share Pastor Kayanja’s belief that they are “stepping into a new season of blessing and purpose.”
The “Command the Future” Conference runs until Sunday, with more high-profile sermons and worship sessions expected to draw even larger crowds.