Former Principal Private Secretary to the President, Dr Kenneth Omona, has publicly criticised popular Ugandan preacher Pastor Aloysius Bujjingo following controversial remarks made during a church service about handling unexplained wealth.
Pastor Bujjingo, while addressing his congregation, stated that he would not report to authorities if he discovered a sack of money in his garden.
“I am a born-again Christian, but I will not lie to you: if I find a sack of money in my garden, I am not reporting it to the local chairperson,” he said, sparking widespread debate across social and political circles.
In response, Dr Omona expressed concern over the message’s potential impact on societal values, particularly in a country grappling with corruption and accountability challenges.
Addressing the preacher directly, Omona noted that such statements risk undermining efforts to build a culture of integrity and public trust.
“Pr Bugingo, with due respect my dear brother, this message of yours kills the much desired societal character of our country,” Omona said. He added that while he does not claim moral perfection, leaders—especially religious figures—carry a responsibility to promote ethical conduct among citizens.
Omona further drew comparisons with countries such as Singapore, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, arguing that their development and global standing are rooted in strong ethical foundations and public trust.
He suggested that normalising questionable behaviour, even hypothetically, could erode the moral fabric necessary for national progress.
The former presidential aide also referenced the biblical story of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, as a cautionary example of moral failure within religious leadership.
According to Omona, such historical and religious lessons highlight the consequences of abandoning integrity.
Bugingo’s remarks have since triggered mixed reactions.