Church of Uganda, through its Directorate of Household and Community Transformation (HCT), has launched the third phase of the Interfaith Action for Gender Justice and Women Economic Empowerment Project at St. Stephen’s Church of Uganda in Kumi Town, Kumi Diocese.
Presided over by the Rt. Rev. Michael Okwii Esakahn, Bishop of Kumi Diocese, the launch featured the distribution of UGX 25 million in seed capital to 25 women-led Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups across Kumi, Ngora, and Bukedea Districts. It also included the commissioning of a UGX 5 million youth car washing bay and parking yard aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for young people in the region.
This development brings the total seed capital distributed under the project to UGX 67 million, benefiting 67 VSLA groups and significantly boosting financial inclusion and economic empowerment at the grassroots.
Church of Uganda’s strategic focus in this initiative aligns with its Provincial and Diocesan Plans for 2025–2028, which prioritize economic empowerment, gender justice, social welfare, and good governance. Supported by DanChurch Aid (DCA), the project has already impacted over 44,000 lives through skills development, faith-based GBV prevention, and income-generating activities.
According to Rev. Agaba Andrew, the Director of Household and Community Transformation, the project has registered tangible impact including facilitating the formation of 42 women-led VSLA groups, comprising 1,260 members—840 women and 420 men—across the three districts which have mobilized over UGX 561 million in community savings.
He further noted that more than 12,000 people have been trained in practical skills such as liquid soap making, organic manure production, and reusable sanitary pad production.
Beyond economics, the project has deepened interfaith collaboration on gender-based violence prevention using contextual approaches like SASA! Faith and Quranic teachings. Our advocacy during International Women’s Day and the 16 Days of Activism has created platforms for community dialogue and accountability.” Rev. Agaba said.
In his remarks, the Rt. Rev. Michael Okwii Esakhan, Bishop of Kumi Diocese, commended the partnership between Church of Uganda and DanChurch Aid (DCA), which has transformed lives across Kumi, Ngora, and Bukedea Districts through economic empowerment and gender justice.
He noted that this work aligns with Kumi Diocese’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, highlighting core pillars such as spiritual growth, economic empowerment, social welfare, and environmental stewardship.
Bishop Okwii said, the establishment of the youth car washing bay and parking yard in Kumi is in line with Church of Uganda’s commitment to sustainable livelihoods for young people and be a self sustainable Church.
He called upon development partners, government agencies, and stakeholders to collaborate with the Church in advancing social protection and financial inclusion for marginalized groups.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Fatuma Zaitun the leader of Al-Haki group commended Church of Uganda for being non segregative in its interventions.
“Our group is full on Muslims but this project of Church of Uganda has always prioritized us. We were the first beneficiaries and the money they gave us, we bought 7 sheep, now we have 14 sheep and other interventions.” Zaitun said.
The intervention in Kumi Diocese comes barely a week after Church of Uganda delivered humanitarian relief worth UGX 109 million to Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro District, Ankole Diocese in response to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
