ENTEBBE — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has challenged African Christians and religious leaders to use their faith and influence to contribute to efforts to address declining church attendance and falling birth rates in parts of Europe.
Museveni made the remarks on Thursday, October 8, 2026, while addressing the 28th Uganda National Prayer Breakfast at State House, Entebbe, where religious leaders and other invited guests gathered ahead of Uganda’s 64th Independence anniversary.
The President reflected on a message delivered during the gathering about the potential of African religious communities, saying their commitment to faith could be important as Christianity faces challenges in some parts of the world.
Museveni expressed concern about what he described as stagnant or declining populations in some European countries, questioning why fewer children were being born and what the long-term consequences could be for those societies.
He also pointed to historic European cathedrals and churches that, according to his remarks, were experiencing low attendance compared with earlier periods when religious institutions played a more central role in community life.
The President encouraged African Christians to consider how their religious commitment could contribute to wider international efforts to strengthen faith, promote responsible living and support younger generations.
Museveni warned that young people needed guidance to prevent them from engaging in destructive behaviour, emphasising that religious communities had a responsibility to nurture them into responsible citizens.
He called on Christians and Muslims to use their potential constructively, saying their influence should extend beyond places of worship into practical efforts that improve communities and address social challenges.
The President’s remarks placed Uganda’s interfaith gathering within a broader discussion about the role of religion in modern society, with Museveni urging believers to strengthen their communities while considering how their values could benefit other parts of the world.
