Time to rethink leadership in Africa – top judge

African Christians must rise up into positions of power – and see it as a calling to serve.

One of Uganda’s top judges has called on African Christians to rise up into positions of leadership, if Africa is ever to halt the epidemic of corruption.

Too many Christians confuse power with sin, Justice Lady Bamugemereire told leading Christians from across the continent: ‘Many see African leaders as the big chiefs, the men with the big houses.

‘Even some Christians look at power as an opportunity to get rich quick, rather than for service. We need to think again about the African view of leadership.

Speaking at the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI Forum) in Cameroon, Lady Bamugemereire defined corruption as the abuse of power in public office for private gain. And she added: ‘this also applies in the church.’

Addressing hundreds of key Christian leaders from across Africa, she continued: ‘In Uganda this year we had a famine through desertification because people had given away government forests.

‘We can all use power to build up or to destroy. And we will all have to give an account to God about the way we have either used or abused power.

She defined power as the ability to make a difference. ‘Power can lead to transformation. If power is used the right way it can bring the kingdom of God on earth: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”’

The ABLI Forum is an initiative of Bible Society, and Justice Lady Bamugemereire gave examples from the Bible of the use of power in leadership. ‘Saul used his power to try to harm David, while David used his power to demonstrate restraint, forgiveness and magnanimity. And look at the stories of Daniel and Joseph.’

As a high-ranking official who has used her power to tackle corruption, she issued a challenge to Christians who viewed positions of leadership as somehow tainted and to be avoided.

‘Many Christians today seem to think that being humble, pious and insignificant is the only way to be a true Christian. Others believe that Christians who find themselves in high places are being intrinsically sinful.

‘This is not true humility.

‘True humility is having the opportunity to showcase an all-wise, all powerful God. God has absolute power. He has the power to restore and heal.’

She called for a recovery of the Biblical view of servant leadership. ‘A true leader makes necessary sacrifices, serving others above self and sharing vision and direction. That is a leader.’

Christians, she believed, should engage with power and authority, just like the men of faith in the Bible.

‘Today, where are the Daniels who will serve in the King’s palace? God wants to raise up Christians like Joseph, who will be able to interpret the king’s dream. The church must occupy this space and serve as the salt of the earth.’

And she returned to the beginning of the Bible for her inspiration – the story of Creation, when God created humanity to exercise dominion and stewardship over the Earth.

‘God will work through us because he has created us in his image and given us the mandate to use his power responsibly.’

Justice Lady Bamugemereire said the seemingly insurmountable challenges facing Africa required capacity, intellect, discernment, ‘and most of all, the fear of the Lord. There will be no quick fix to the problems in Africa,’ she added.

And she called on church leaders to turn their backs on the fame game and get back to the Bible.

‘Many leaders have turned themselves into the message – even pastors. But the message is Christ. Let us return to the word and allow the Bible to transform us by the renewing of our minds. Then we will exhibit moral values.

‘The Bible tells us: “Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and the needy... Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.”

‘Even today when we think there is so much corruption in the system, I thank the Lord it is possible for Christians to be truly relevant.’