The State Minister for Local Government, Ms Justine Nameere, has urged religious leaders to use their sermons to condemn corruption and encourage believers to reject the vice.
Ms Nameere said corruption had become increasingly entrenched in public institutions, undermining the delivery of government services.
“All the money in the budgets to provide good services is prepared by chief administrative officers and town clerks, but when it comes to implementation, they turn around and swindle it. This is quite complex and requires prayers from you, religious leaders,” she said.
She made the remarks during Sunday's celebrations marking 51 years of discipleship and 50 years of marriage by Bishop Zakaria Sserwadda of the Evangelical Church in Jinja City.
Ms Nameere said parents and religious leaders should work together to instil values of integrity among citizens and help curb corruption.
She also urged believers to emulate religious leaders who promote discipline, patience and service to the community.
In a speech delivered by Ms Nameere, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja congratulated Bishop Sserwadda and his wife, Mama Robinah, on their marriage anniversary and commended religious leaders for their role in promoting peace and moral values.
Bishop Sserwadda attributed his achievements to patience, saying he started by hawking matooke on a bicycle before venturing into photography and later religious ministry.
“I started by hawking matooke on a bicycle before venturing into photography. I was slow in everything I did, but I remained patient as I worked towards achieving my goals,” he said.
He said he had written a book, Pressed but Not Lost, to encourage people to remain patient while working to improve their lives.
Bishop Sserwadda also urged couples to trust and support each other to sustain their marriages.
