Bugembe urges born again churches to invest more in communities

What the report says

Pastor Wilson Bugembe has urged born again churches in Uganda to play a bigger role in community development by investing in practical social facilities such as schools, hospitals and playgrounds. According to Sqoop Uganda, he made the appeal while speaking to worshippers at The Worship House in Nansana, where he praised the Catholic Church for building institutions that provide services beyond worship.

Bugembe said his view was strengthened after attending a recent event where Buganda Kingdom Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga also acknowledged the Catholic Church’s contribution to communities. He said churches should learn from that model and think more deliberately about how to improve people’s daily lives through education, healthcare and youth-focused spaces.

He argued that establishing a school, hospital or playground can be another form of serving God and supporting the public, especially by giving young people constructive activities. Bugembe also said he intends to pursue a similar approach at The Worship House once ongoing construction is completed, including seeking a larger piece of land in Nansana for possible community facilities.

His remarks are part of a broader conversation in Uganda about the role of religious institutions in social welfare. While churches often focus on preaching and worship, Bugembe suggested that long-term impact should also be measured by tangible support for surrounding communities.