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Speech At The 12th International Berlin Gathering
2007-06-14 Statement By
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
President of the Republic of Uganda
On
Responsibility before God and the Inviolability of Human dignity
At the 12th International Berlin Gathering
Berlin, Germany
14th June 2007
I am happy to be here for the 12th International Berlin Gathering. We are here, once again, to examine our responsibility before God and man. I would like to thank the organizers of this meeting and to appreciate the efforts of the members of this family who have faithfully and consistently come to share with us in this fellowship over the years. The sub-theme for this year’s gathering: “The inviolability of Human dignity”, is one that seeks to restore man in his proper image as God had intended from the time of creation.
James 2: 14-17 reads:
What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or a sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them: “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled’; but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
Thus also by faith itself, if it does not have works, it is dead. (New King James Bible)
In the same vein, 1 John 4:20-21 reads: “If someone says ‘I love God’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. (New King James Bible)
These passages sum our responsibility to God and man. We are called to demonstrate our love for God through our love for fellow man; and we can only do that through active, working faith.
This love, once demonstrated, should be reflected in the lives of the people around us, the people to whom we as leaders are responsible at all levels of society.
However, the world today is wrecked by poverty and dire need, disease, hunger, strife and war, to mention but a few miseries; all this juxtaposed with affluence, profligacy and pomp on the same planet. To a great extent, the dignity of man has been violated; and yet we know that man was created in the image of God, as the Bible teaches us in Genesis 1:27. Indeed, Human Dignity is a sacred, absolute and an inherent treasure.
It is imperative that we, as leaders and policy makers, ask ourselves what our role is in the upholding of human dignity; and, where it has been violated, its restoration. While some people argue that this God-given worth cannot be lost, many people have found themselves in pitiable situations where they lose a sense of self-worth; and in the process felt undignified, many caught up in systems they have no control over.
While such situations are regrettable, they are, certainly, undeniable, and some unabated.
As we gather here to pray, we need to remember the many children who are orphaned by war and HIV/AIDS; those that go hungry. Here below are a few of the ugly facts that strip our people of their dignity.
In today’s world, 854 million people do not have enough to eat. Of these, 400 million are children.
In a world of unprecedented wealth, almost two million children die each year for want of a glass of clean water and adequate sanitation. Millions of women and young girls are forced to spend hours collecting and carrying water, restricting their opportunities and their choices. Water-borne infectious diseases are holding back poverty reduction and economic growth in some of the world’s poorest countries. (The 2006 Human Development Report)
A total of 39.5 million people were living with HIV in 2006; Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected part in the world, with two thirds (63%) of all people living with HIV in this region;
Worldwide, less than one in five people, at the risk of becoming infected with HIV, have no access to basic prevention services. Across the world, only one in eight people who want to be tested are currently able to do so.
More than 1 billion people around the world live on less than a $1 a day.
We could go on and on and on. There is, for instance, the issue of global warming that affects us all, regardless of our development status and levels as nations. Developing nations, in particular, lack the capacity to address the problems they are faced with.
Yet these problems are created by others but affect Africa most, for instance. In the past, Africa suffered from aggression of the Hittites, the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs, the Turks and the Europeans.
Since 500 years ago, the people that have been committing aggression and plunder against Africa have been both Christians and Moslems. Where were the Popes and the Arch-bishops of Canterbury when slavery went on for 300 years? The aggression today is in the form of greenhouse gases that cause climate change that will affect Africa most yet they are generated by others.
In another part of the Bible, it say that: “we shall know them by their deeds; not merely their words”. Some people in the western world are worried about the recent economic involvement of China in Africa – giving Aid without conditions.
This reminds me of the story of the good Samaritan, the Pharisee and other religious people who refused to help a man in need. A Samaritan, who was not of the Jewish religion, is the one that helped the person in need. That is the story of China. Chinese communists, who are not Christians, did the Christian act of supporting Africa to fight colonialism without conditions in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s. As a consequence, the whole of Africa, including South Africa, is now free. Now that China has transformed her society, they are giving a lot of economic aid without conditions. This gets the “Christian” West worried!! This is a mockery of the principles of the Christian religion. It should be a wake-up call for the western Christians that had let their Christian principles to lie furrow.
After a period of socio-economic and political decadence in Uganda, the NRM Government instituted reforms that enabled the country to achieve a minimum economic recovery. The infrastructure was repaired; there are now basic consumer goods in shops, etc.
Most important of all, security of persons and property was restored. The NRM government has, in effect, restored the dignity of Ugandans, not only at the individual level, but also at the national level. The colonial and neo-colonial regimes in Uganda had debased Ugandans with extra-judicial murders, rape, pillage, torture, illegal imprisonment and disenfranchisement. This is not to mention material deprivation and want. Today, while significant sections of our society still suffer from want, political persecution and physical debasement have been banished except for actions by terrorists that have, finally, been brought to an end. Some have fled to Congo.
The government has ensured the development of the human resource by providing universal education both at the primary and the secondary school levels.
Health facilities have been brought nearer to the people and access to clean, safe water have been improved.
In order to address the issue of poverty in Uganda, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Government, which is in power now, has laid down a programme dubbed “Prosperity for all”. This programme aims at ensuring a minimum income for each homestead.
However, at the national level, we need to access markets for our produce if our people are to reach the levels of prosperity to which we are aspiring. It is not enough for us to produce without selling. Uganda is, therefore, aiming at value-added production in order to meet international standards.
It is in this respect that I continue to call upon our development partners to assist developing countries by opening further their markets to our products and
removing protectionism that renders our produce unable to compete. The Less developed countries need a hand up rather than handouts – aid in order to trade is more beneficial. However, above all, market access will get the developing world on their feet.
If we the leaders look on at the problems that plague the world, be it on a global or national scale, or in small sections of society, as the said problems go on unabated, we shall have failed in our responsibility to God and man; and, certainly, we shall have failed to maintain the inviolable human dignity.
Let us all reach out to each other in brotherliness and embrace the world as one in order to maintain the dignity of all our people. There can be no dignity for a hungry man, a sick child, a burdened and marginalized woman or handicapped person, an angry youth, etc.
The victims of aggression should also not take solace in the sure damnation of their tormentors.
They are also, in some ways, to blame. The story of the talents tells us that if you do not use your talents well, what you have will be taken away and given to him that has more (Mathew 25:28-29).
Further, in Deuteronomy chapter 28: verses: 1; 12;
15-16; 43; and 44; it says: “if you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow his commands that I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.” Vs.12 “the Lord will open the heavens, the store house of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none”. Vs. 15-16 “However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: you will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country”.
Vs.43-44 “the alien who lives among you, will rise above you higher and higher, but you will sink lower and lower. He will lend to you, but you will not lend to him. He will be the head but you will be the tail”.
As we gather here, may we all find it in our hearts to resolutely work for the betterment of our world in responsibility towards God and Man. Let us expunge our past wrong attitudes and rekindle our faith.
I thank you all for coming to this gathering. I trust that we shall continue in the same spirit of international fellowship. World peace is our responsibility.
Thank you.
Berlin, Germany
14th June 2007.
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President Meets IMF Delegation
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President Receives Assistant Chinese Minister
2007-09-18
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2007-09-13
President Yoweri Museveni has said that government will not accept any delays in the provision of electricity to the national grid. The President was speaking during a meeting with the visiting World Bank Country Director, Mr. John Murray McIntire at State House, Nakasero. He said work must start on the Karuma power station soon and remain ahead of the national electricity demand. Mr. Museveni also emphasized that Uganda must have a modern railway network to the sea adding that “without fast transport, export costs would remain high”. He emphasized that the World Bank in collaboration with the government of Uganda should concentrate on the construction of durable roads in the country.
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Items mobilized for auctioning by the lay people from the parish together with friends from beyond the parish included 7 cows, 45 goats, 125 chickens, a variety of food stuffs as well as a presidential portrait and Virgin Mary’s picture. ..more
Uganda And DRC Sign Joint Bilateral Agreement
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President Yoweri Museveni and President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, last night signed a joint bilateral co-operation agreement aimed at establishing peace and security in both countries and normalizing their relations and strengthening their co-operation. The historic Ngorodoto Agreement was reached after a 2-day special summit convened by the Tanzanian leader President Jakaya Kikwete at Ngorodoto Mountain and Country Club in Arusha. Mr. Kikwete also witnessed the signing of the documents. The landmark agreement covered areas of defence and security, economic co-operation as well as political and diplomatic co-operation. ..more
Uganda & DRC Begin Summit In Arusha
2007-09-08
A special summit on Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) opened in Arusha, Northern Tanzania attended by President Yoweri Museveni and his DRC counterpart President Joseph Kabila.The summit is under the chairmanship of host President Jakaya Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania. The summit, held after the 2 heads of state requested President Kikwete to host it, is discussing outstanding issues between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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President Leaves For Arusha Tanzania
2007-09-07
President Yoweri Museveni is in the Northern Tanzania town of Arusha on a 2-day working visit during which he will attend a special summit between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The President was received at Kilimanjaro International Airport by the Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Bernard Membe, Uganda Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Sam Kutesa and Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania Mr. Ibrahim Mukiibi.
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President Urges DRC Not To Harbour Terrorists
2007-09-05
President Yoweri Museveni has urged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) not to accept being used as ground by groups that are hostile to neighbouring countries. The President made the call at State House, Nakasero during a meeting with a visiting American government delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Ms Jendayi Frazer. Mr. Museveni urged the DRC to apprehend the Lord’s Resistance Army on its territory to ensure that the group goes to the assembly areas in order to further facilitate the ongoing peace process that is taking place in Juba, Southern Sudan. The President was optimistic that the peace process between the Government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army would succeed. ..more
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“Zirobwe- Wobulenzi Road To Be Repaired” – Museveni
2007-09-04
President Yoweri Museveni has assured the people of Uganda that government will continue to channel funds to the grass-root level in the country through the Local Government Development Programme LGDP), the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), the Micro-Finance scheme, among others, to assist people increase household income. The President was speaking at two separate rallies held at Kamira Primary School in Kamira Sub-County and at Kiziba Primary School in Kikyusa Sub-county of Bamunanika County in Luweero district. ..more
“Govt. To Follow Up On NAADS Funds” – Museveni
2007-09-01
President Yoweri Museveni has said that government is going to make a follow up of the funds released to sub-counties under the National Agricultural and Advisory Services (NAADS) as a way of ascertaining its proper use. “More money has been sent through NAADS. Government will make a follow up to see that the people trained and facilitated by NAADS put the money to proper use”, said the President to the people of Nakaseke. The President was meeting wananchi of Kirema, Kabugwe and Mijenje villages of Semuto Sub-County in Nakaseke district. Mr. Museveni is currently on a tour of Luweero Triangle to sensitize people on Bonna Bagaggawale programme. ..more
President Tours Wakiso District
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..more
President Calls For Agro-Based Industries
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“Conservation Is A Must” – Museveni
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President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated that sustainable conservation of the fauna and flora of Uganda can only be achieved after the crucial issues of electrification and industrialization have been permanently addressed. The President was closing a 4-day Leadership for Conservation Africa (LCA) Council meeting at Paraa Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park, in newly established Amuru district. The 2nd council meeting that attracted participants from over 15 countries in Africa as well as outside the continent, aimed at bringing together the business community and conservationists to ensure that the environment is conserved in a sustainable way for future generations. ..more
President Meets Austrian Delegation
2007-08-25
President Yoweri Museveni has met a delegation from the Province of Carintia in Austria at State House, Nakasero. The delegation was led by Ms. Olivia Mugabe, a programmes’ director of A – Z Austria – Uganda, based in Austria. The NGO, which trains people in Luweero in income generating activities, is supported by the government of Austria. Among the delegation were Mr. Quendher Peter, Hebein Peter and Runpold Achill from the government of Austria, Carinthia Province, among others, and the representative of the Minister of Agriculture from Carinthia Mr. Martin Joseph. ..more
President Receives DRC Delegation
2007-08-25
President Yoweri Museveni received a delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who called on him at State House, Nakasero. The delegation was led by the DRC Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mr. Mbusa Nyamisi. The President and his visitors discussed matters related to peace and security in both countries. On the issue of petroleum in both countries, President Museveni told the delegation that Uganda has now trained people in that field who have the experience which the government of DRC can share in order not to be cheated by foreign companies during time of exploration.
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No LRA presence in CAR – Bozize
2007-08-23
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President Bozize Arrives In Uganda
2007-08-22
President Francois Bozize of the Central African Republic has started a 2-day state visit to Uganda. President Bozize, who is accompanied by his wife Mrs. Monique Bozize, was received on arrival at Entebbe International Airport this morning by his host President Yoweri Museveni. Others at the airport to receive President Bozize included Minister for Presidency Mrs. Beatrice Wabudeya, that of Security Mr. Amama Mbabazi, of Education and Sports Mrs. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire and of State for International Affairs Mr. Okello Oryem.
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