Staff
African church leaders have launched a faith-driven campaign calling for Uganda’s reinstatement under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), saying renewed trade ties with the United States could help tackle poverty and unemployment across the continent.
Speaking at the Faith Diplomacy Conference in Kampala, Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre Cathedral said delegates from over 21 countries had gathered to strengthen ties between African and American churches, a partnership he called “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 the meeting focused on Uganda’s suspension from AGOA, a U.S. trade initiative offering duty-free access to African goods.
He stressed that trade and entrepreneurship are 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.”
He urged the church to go beyond preaching by promoting skills training, innovation, and entrepreneurship, especially among young people.
Africa’s growing youth population, Kayanja said, is both a challenge and an opportunity. He urged churches to lead job creation efforts and help curb “brain drain.”
“Our continent is full of young people, but many have nowhere to go,” he 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 sell their possessions seeking opportunities abroad, leaving behind broken communities.
The church, he added, must respond with vocational programs and local enterprise development.
Delegates also discussed Africa’s peace and security challenges, including the long-standing sanctions on Zimbabwe, which Kayanja said continue to stall regional 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 was attended by religious leaders, policymakers, and a senior advisor to former U.S. President Donald Trump, in what Kayanja described as “an extraordinary moment of faith and diplomacy.”
Kayanja also called on the church to reclaim its traditional role in education and social development, noting that many once-thriving missionary schools have declined or become unaffordable.
“The population is growing, but schools are shrinking,” he said.
“The church must advocate for the voiceless and rebuild what made our communities strong.”
He emphasized that faith-based media and institutions, such as his Channel 44, should promote inclusivity and provide jobs for all Ugandans regardless of religion.
With the “Command The Future” conference, which began 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., speaking on “God’s Creation” and sharing lessons 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 concludes, Kayanja’s message remains clear, faith must be matched 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.”
