The impact of Pentecostal churches on security in Uganda

Abstract

Religious values and sentiments have implications on the state of security in any society. Pentecostal churches are very influential in Uganda, and so their marked effect or influence on social aspects, particularly security, is unavoidable, and noticeable. The research paper highlights the nature and character of Pentecostal churches, and benching on this, assesses their impact on security in Uganda. From a by-stander’s perspective, the churches exhibit both positive and negative attributes, although the former far outweigh the latter in number and significance. Pentecostal churches in Uganda impact security by: facilitating development which reduces poverty and criminality; enhancing diplomatic relations between Uganda and countries of their allied churches, which diffuses external threats; enhancing national unity and solidarity; compromising safety due to weak buildings, overnight prayers, and cults; their members committing crimes and involving in treacherous activities; promoting corruption, which spikes lawlessness; providing guidance and counseling thereby reducing lawbreakers; causing health hazards, hence fanning social disillusionment; abusing human rights and freedoms, which promotes social disintegration; encouraging laziness and dependence, thus increasing poverty and crime rates; and, facilitating constructive but divisive participatory politics, which develops a civically competent population, able to guarantee durable national stability. The paper concludes that Pentecostal churches play an incredible role in transforming society, and improving people’s livelihoods, for which reasons their impact on security is overwhelmingly positive; and that although there are negative impacts emanating from challenges facing the Pentecostal Movement, they can be easily countered and surmounted by patience, greater supervision, and education on the proper application of scriptures. The research paper ends by making recommendations geared towards promoting community and state surveillance of Pentecostal churches across the country, and filling gaps in overall security of their areas of location and operation.