By Brian Atuhura

Religious leaders and faith -based organizations in Masindi District have been challenged to take a leading role in restoring ethical values within families and communities as part of efforts to rebuild the country's moral fabric.

The call was made by Justus Rubarema, the Assistant Commissioner for Religious Affairs under the Directorate for Ethics and Integrity in the office of the President, during an engagement meeting with Religious and Faith Organizations (RFOs)at the Masindi District headquarters. The meeting focused on promoting ethics and integrity at the family level.

While presenting the National Ethical Values policy, Rubarema said it's overarching goal is to rebuild and sustain a morally upright society founded on national integrity inorder to achieve Uganda's aspirations and ideals.

He urged religious leaders to move beyond preaching and conduct practical sessions that instill ethical values among families and communities, noting that faith institutions are strategically placed to influence positive behavior and restore the nation's dignity.
Rubarema explained that the policy is anchored on four key pillars: strengthening systems, standards and procedures for service delivery; establishing supportive policies and legal frameworks; developing the required human resources;and enhancing accountability and reporting mechanisms, including collaboration with the media and civil society organizations.

He further outlined the ten National Ethical Values promoted under the policy:respect for humanity and the environment;honesty and truthfulness; justice and fairness;hard work and self-reliance; integrity and moral uprightness; creativity and innovation; social responsibility; social harmony; national unity;and patriotism and national consciousness.

Opening the meeting, Masindi District Chief Administrative Officer Samuel Ruhweza Kaija emphasized the critical role of religious leaders in restoring moral values among the people they serve.

He urged faith leaders to use their platforms not only to nurture spiritual growth but also to sensitize communities about government development programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP),and the Youth Livelihood Program (YLP).

Kaija said increased awareness and participation in these intitiatives would improve household incomes and contribute to better livelihoods, implementing efforts to build an ethical responsible and productive society.