STATEMENT MADE BY THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR ETHICS AND INTEGRITY TO MEMBERS OF THE PRESS AT THE MEDIA CENTRE ON SA TURDA Y 4 OCTOBER 2008

The media has extensively reported that some pastors in some of the churches throughout the country were allegedly involved in cases such as infidelity, witchcraft, embezzlement, rape, defilement and homosexuality all of which are serious crimes that are punishable according to Ugandan laws.

As a result of this, there has been public outcry as well as dismay and concern. Government, too, has been concerned considering that the Church and other faiths such as Islam in Uganda have and still is continuing to playa significant role in the lives of Ugandans. Their contribution to Uganda's development is greatly appreciated by the Government. This is not only in the social and economic fields but the spiritual one as well where they are the undisputed leaders.

Government's concern is within the general framework of a fact that the state of moral health of Uganda is currently under severe test amidst the mushrooming of vices that are illegal and frowned upon by the Ugandan society. It is concerned that proliferation of the vices could in the long run lead to public acceptance thereby endangering the country's stability and prosperity.

Uganda has laws to which every cItIzen is accountable. In this regard, Government will do all it can to ensure that where they are flouted or where criminal acts are committed the law will take its course. Government is aware that its credibility and public support derive from its ability to see that the law is applied without fear or favor.

Government will ensure that when a crime is committed, investigations as well as prosecutions are carried out speedily so that justice is done. There have been problems in the area of investigations and prosecutions but Government is doing a lot to change this situation.

You may ask: what is Government doing to ensure there is order in the country and in particular some sections of the Church where reports of criminal activities have frequently been reported. While the Government does not wish to involve itself in affairs of religious organizations, it is agreed that there are areas of commonality and partnership that warrant that both the Government and Church work together. Both of them share a common constituency which is the people of Uganda. An elected Government can not ignore security or welfare concerns of citizens.

Government is taking certain measures to support various faiths so that they perform their unique work without hindrance. Much of the reporting has mostly been about the Pentecostal Church, what is commonly known as "Born Again Churches". In this connection, I wish to inform you that coountless number of meetings has taken place between leaders of these churches and Government and these will continue. Yesterday's meeting was the latest. It discussed the general state of affairs in the community.