Her Excellency the Vice President, Major (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has rallied religious leaders to ensure safety in their places of worship.
In a message delivered by the Minister for the Presidency and MP for Budiope West, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, yesterday while representing H.E. Vice President Maj. (Rtd.) Jessica Alupo at the launch of
“The Church Security Manual” authored by Maj. Joakim Bukenya, an event held at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Nakawa.
She noted that while Government has the primary responsibility of protecting citizens, every institution and citizen has a role to play in preventing threats and protecting lives and property. Citing the large gatherings every Sunday in churches, mosques and other places of worship, the Minister said ensuring safety in these spaces “is not merely a security matter, it is a responsibility towards human life and the protection of our communities.”
“We should not wait for a security incident to happen before we begin asking questions about preparedness. The principle should be: ‘Prevention is better than reaction,'” she emphasized.
“As Christians, we believe that God is our ultimate protector. However, God also expects us to use the knowledge, wisdom and capabilities that He has given us to protect one another,” she added.
Her Excellency, Jessica Alupo, congratulated Maj. Bukenya for the publication, describing it as an important contribution to the national discourse on security. “It is a great honor to join you on this important occasion to witness the launch of the Church Security Manual. This book comes at an important time when we must recognize that security is a shared responsibility,” she said.
Manual Offers Comprehensive Approach From the summary presented, she said the manual goes beyond terrorism and crime to address the wider security and safety needs of churches. It highlights risk assessment, security planning, emergency preparedness, and intelligence gathering.
She urged churches to strengthen cooperation with security agencies, stressing that security institutions “should not be viewed only as institutions to be called after an incident has occurred.”
“I call upon religious leaders and church administrators across Uganda to take the issue of security seriously. Every church, whether large or small, urban or rural, should undertake a basic assessment of the risks facing its congregation and develop practical measures to address those risks,” she said.
Her Excellency, Jessica Alupo, also noted the author’s proposal to establish a Ministry of Church Security Awareness to sensitize and train churches countrywide. She commended the initiative and encouraged it to be pursued in close cooperation with religious leaders and relevant Government institutions.
She reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful Uganda and promoting Pan-Africanism. “Therefore, the security of places of worship is part of the broader effort to maintain peace, stability and social harmony in Uganda,” she said.Hon. Babalanda appreciated the UPDF and Uganda Police Force for their continued efforts to protect Ugandans, and religious leaders for promoting peace, unity, and moral values.
She then officially launched The Church Security Manual on behalf of Government.
Minister Babalanda rallied religious leaders to honour H.E President Yoweri Kaguta’s call on the fight against corruption and embrace government wealth-creation programmes to promote the generation of household incomes and combat poverty.
Speaking at the function, Maj. Joakim Bukenya said the manual provides practical guidance on establishing church security committees, training ushers and volunteers, protecting children through Sunday school policies, securing church premises and parking areas, and integrating appropriate technologies.
“The book provides practical guidance on establishing church security committees and organising and training security committees, enhancing the role of ushers and volunteers, protecting children through effective Sunday school policies, securing church premises and parking areas, developing security integration systems and integrating appropriate technologies,” he said.
He noted the manual promotes a balanced approach that combines “faith, leadership, planning, technology and professional security management.”Maj. Bukenya commended H.E. President Yoweri Museveni for good leadership, and CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the UPDF leadership for the knowledge and skills that enabled him to produce the book.
He thanked Minister Babalanda for honoring his invitation while representing the Vice President.
The launch was attended by religious leaders, members of academia, security officials, and other stakeholders.
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