Lira, Uganda — Aspiring Lira City West Division MP Ogwang Joshua Odit has urged churches to take an active role in the spiritual and economic development of their members.
While speaking today April, 27, 2025, at Yaweh Pentecostal Mission Kakoge Assembly during a fundraising drive to buy land for a new church branch in Anai Bung, Ogwang emphasized the need for churches to embrace broader responsibilities beyond prayer.
Ogwang, a son of the late Erute South MP John Odit, stressed three core roles churches must fulfill: nurturing the holistic development of Christians, providing consistent prayer support, and offering leadership based on Biblical teachings.
He encouraged church leaders to establish a Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO) to help Christians access affordable loans instead of relying on high-interest bank facilities. Ogwang pointed to the example of Watoto Church SACCO in Kampala, which has grown to UGX 25 billion in savings.
“The church must guide Christians to grow spiritually, economically, and socially,” Ogwang stated. He quoted 1 Peter 5:1–5, reminding Christians to pray to God to provide good leaders, and advised churches to stay away from partisan politics while remaining centers of prayer and guidance.
Ogwang, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Accounting) and has been a produce dealer since 2010, demonstrated his support by purchasing eight chickens at UGX 30,000 each for the pastors and making a cash contribution of UGX 100,000 towards the land project.
According to Okello Sam, Development Officer at Yaweh Pentecostal Mission Kakoge Assembly, the church aims to raise UGX 50 million to acquire land near Anai Primary School for the construction of the new branch.
He thanked Ogwang for honoring the invitation, attending in person, and encouraging Christians with his message and contributions.
Christians at the event welcomed Ogwang’s support warmly, praising his commitment to faith and community growth.
Ogwang first entered politics in 2021 during the UPC primaries for Lira City West Division, finishing fourth behind Anthony Ojuka (3rd), Sedrick Obong Eyit (2nd), and Ekwang Henry Cilodyang (1st). Obong Eyit, who later ran as an independent candidate, is now the incumbent MP.
Beyond politics, Ogwang currently serves as the head of Christians at St. Peter’s Church of Uganda–Barapwo, where under his leadership, church membership and offertory collections have grown significantly, resulting in the introduction of two services every Sunday.
With his strong foundation in faith and community service, Ogwang Joshua Odit continues to strengthen his political journey toward the 2026 elections.
