Xavier Radio Ug News 24 7
By Kayiira Jackson
KAMPALA — African church leaders have launched a faith-driven campaign calling for Uganda’s reinstatement under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), arguing that renewed trade relations with the United States could help combat poverty and unemployment across the continent.
Speaking at the ongoing Faith Diplomacy Conference in Kampala, Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre Cathedral said delegates from over 21 countries had gathered to strengthen partnerships between African and American churches — a collaboration he termed “faith diplomacy.”
“We just had a powerful meeting with heads of delegations from more than 21 countries,” Kayanja said. “We discussed how faith communities in Africa and the U.S. can work together to help our people overcome poverty, unemployment, and conflict.”
Kayanja said Uganda’s suspension from AGOA, a U.S. trade initiative that grants duty-free access to African goods, had become a central discussion point at the meeting. He emphasized that trade and entrepreneurship remain key to sustainable development.
“Uganda should be reinstated because trade brings jobs and opportunity,” he said. “When Uganda trades more with the U.S., both nations win. Commerce is vital to our people’s prosperity.”
The Miracle Centre Cathedral leader urged the church to go beyond preaching and to actively promote skills training, innovation, and entrepreneurship — particularly among young people.
Africa’s rapidly growing youth population, he noted, presents both a challenge and an opportunity for development. He called on faith-based institutions to lead efforts in job creation and curb the growing “brain drain.”
“Our continent is full of young people, but many have nowhere to go,” Kayanja said. “The church must help them use what they have to create what they don’t have. Innovation and education must be our priority.”
He lamented that many young Africans continue to sell their possessions in search of opportunities abroad, leaving behind fractured communities. The church, he added, must respond through vocational training and local enterprise development.
Delegates at the conference also discussed regional peace and security challenges, including the long-standing sanctions on Zimbabwe, which Kayanja said continue to hinder Africa’s economic growth.
“It’s time to lift the embargo on Zimbabwe,” he said. “Africa needs peace and stability so our people can live better lives.”
The meeting attracted religious leaders, policymakers, and a senior advisor to former U.S. President Donald Trump — an engagement Kayanja described as “an extraordinary moment of faith and diplomacy.”
He also called on the church to reclaim its traditional role in education and social development, pointing to the decline of many once-thriving missionary schools that have become inaccessible to ordinary citizens.
Pastor Kayanja with USA General Daniel York
“The population is growing, but schools are shrinking,” Kayanja said. “The church must advocate for the voiceless and rebuild what made our communities strong.”
Kayanja further emphasized that faith-based media and institutions, such as his Channel 44, should promote inclusivity and create employment opportunities for all Ugandans regardless of religion.
The “Command The Future” conference, which began on Wednesday, November 12, will climax on Sunday, November 16. President Yoweri Museveni is expected to address pastors on Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. under the topic “God’s Creation”, sharing insights on wealth creation and community development.
“Imagine being taught by a president on how to create wealth,” Kayanja said. “It’s a privilege and a learning opportunity for all of us.”
As the conference draws to a close, Kayanja’s message remains clear — faith must be paired with action.
“The church must wake up and take care of its vineyard,” he said. “It’s time for Africa to rise, to build through faith, trade, and innovation.”
