Uganda minister says ‘poor people won’t go to heaven’ – report

Uganda’s New Vision newspaper quotes a senior politician saying, “poor people will not go to heaven because they insult God through daily lamentations and accusations.”

Internal Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire reportedly made those comments at a school event in Kyenjojo, western Uganda, telling students that hard work was the antidote to poverty.

“If you do not use God’s tools, do not blame him when you remain poor. Strive to overcome poverty because being rich is glorious,” he is reported as saying.

Youth unemployment and underemployment are high in Uganda, one of the world’s youngest populations, with 75% of citizens under 30.