Pastor Robert Kayanja of Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral has urged the United States to reinstate Uganda under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), arguing that renewed trade access would help tackle poverty and unemployment across the continent.
Speaking at the Faith Diplomacy Conference in Kampala, Kayanja said church delegations from more than 21 countries had gathered to explore closer partnerships between African and American faith communities, an approach he described as “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.”
Much of the discussion centred on Uganda’s suspension from AGOA, a US trade programme that offers duty-free access to African exports. Kayanja insisted that restoring Uganda’s eligibility was essential for economic growth.
“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 churches to move beyond preaching and embrace practical interventions such as skills training, innovation programmes and entrepreneurship, particularly for young people. Africa’s expanding youth population, he said, represented both a pressure point and an economic opportunity.
“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.”
Kayanja warned that many young Africans were selling their belongings in search of opportunities abroad, leaving behind families and communities under strain. Faith-based institutions, he argued, must respond with vocational training and support for local enterprise.
Delegates also discussed the continent’s peace and security challenges, including long-standing sanctions on Zimbabwe. Kayanja said the restrictions continued to impede regional economic recovery.
“It’s time to lift the embargo on Zimbabwe,” he said. “Africa needs peace and stability so our people can live better lives.”
The conference brought together religious leaders, policymakers and Dr Paula White, a senior adviser to former US president Donald Trump.
He also called on churches to reclaim their traditional influence in education and social development, noting that many once-prominent missionary schools had deteriorated 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.”
Kayanja said faith-based media such as his Channel 44 should promote inclusion and provide employment for Ugandans of all religious backgrounds.
The “Command The Future” conference, which began on Wednesday November 12, will run until Sunday.
President Museveni is scheduled to address pastors today (November 14) morning on “God’s Creation”, and share his views on wealth creation and community development.
