Politicians; think of the next generation not election

By Joan Akello

Pastor Wilson Bugembe talked to Joan Akello about his ministry and dreams.

What happened to you getting married as reported?

I stopped ringing bells about that; media twisted that I told the Nabagereka and the Katikiro that I’d wed this year and I’d want them to attend. When I introduce her I’ll let you know why it took me long.

Things we must know about you?

That I feel bad when I’m invited to perform at a ‘secular’ concert and Christians attend;what do they see after I’ve left? I feel good when I shout the name of Christ where no one will. Chameleon, Mama Fiina, Bobi, Bebe, Radio and Weasel are big and run this town. I thank God that they are my friends because if you touch the head, then you’ve touched the rest of the body parts. So if these people come to church, they speak to those out there.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

If one soul comes to Christ, praying for others and, when an orphan goes back to school.

When and where were you happiest?

When we found the Shs200 million plus to buy the plot to build the church on the last day, we were given 90 days. We are now servicing the mortgage.

Your greatest regret so far?

Taking over 200 children for a youth camp and four of them drowned.I didn’t know what to tell their parents and there were claims that we had sacrificed them. Another child was kidnapped from our church and he was killed and again I was accused of sacrifice.

What is your greatest fear?

I’m safe in Christ. I respect man but fear God.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I’m an open book and some people use it against me.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Liars; many are after gold (money) not God. Such people die disappointed.

What is your current state of mind?

Calm, looking forward to the end of 2014 and can’t wait for 2015.

Has Celebrity Sunday made any impact?

When I go to heaven,maybe I’ll know. So many celebrities attend church.

Why the music approach to win souls?

Not so many people do church but music is hope, it will speak to your soul, go to places the pastor won’t.

What is most overrated?

Beauty and sex. King Solomon who married the most beautiful women said this was all but vanity.

On what occasion do you lie?

I’m not perfect but overtime I’ve learnt to defeat that demon. The Bible says Satan is the father of liars.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Humble, gentle, and hardworking; manhood does not mean dictatorship.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

You might be richer or more powerful than your husband but be submissive, let a man chase after you and don’t be very quarrelsome.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Playing football.

Who do you most admire?

Footballers like Massa, Okwir, Messi, Neymar and presidents; Obama and Museveni.  I think he’ll be Uganda’s only longest serving president because we are smart and the world is coming to an end. Jesus has to come back.

What would you change about you?

I’d have settled at about age 24 but I didn’t choose this path. So I’m grateful for who I am.

What is your greatest achievement?

At 19 years old, I took a call from God with a group of boys and girls and we came to Nansana to start this church when everything was against us but it has grown from 9 students to thousands, celebrity Sunday, Worship night, weekly sermons I preach and the over 200 orphans at Mercy Child Health care and I stopped pursuing my selfish dreams and started living for others.

What were these dreams?

I wanted to be me, my children and wife limited, be rich, highly educated.

What are your dreams now?

To sit on a board that makes decisions for this nation, inspire my generation, and be a presidential adviser.

What is your most treasured possession?

Jesus.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

The day you lose hope and abort your dream you become the poorest person. Money follows a dream but a dream shouldn’t follow money.

Who are your favorite writers?

I read many theology books so that I don’t mess up because I didn’t go to theology school.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Nelson Mandela; for his forgiving spirit even after years of torture.Moses who divided the Red Sea was a humble man.

How would you like to die?

When I’m old and representing God, seen sinners turn into saints, built a cathedral for God and reached out to the orphans.

What is your motto?

A leader must be willing to go forward alone.

Any message to those who don’t believe in God?

When Jesus was born, wise men sought him but foolish men like Herod wanted to kill him. Don’t be a fool and go to hell. You’re not successful if you’re going to hell.

What is your advice to Ugandans?

Let’s not go back to war; I pray every day that transition of power will be peaceful. I pray those opposition leaders and those in power; in the words of Dr. Myles Munroe, do not think about the next election but the next generation.