The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda The Most Rev Dr. Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu has expressed the need to remove barriers that limit women and girls to access equal opportunities and fulfil their God given purpose.
This comes as the Church of Uganda joined the rest of the World to recognize the need to empower women and girls in order to reduce their vulnerability to Gender Based Violence in all forms.
The Archbishop has reiterated Church of Uganda’s commitment towards ending violence against women and girls in homes, schools, workplaces, and public places.
“We affirm the biblical truth that all individuals were created in the image and likeness of God, (Genesis 1:26-28) and God also gave each of us unique talents and abilities. ” The Archbishop said.
The Archbishop made these remarks while delivering a press statement during the Church of Uganda’s International Women’s Day celebrations that took place at St Stephen’s Church of Uganda in Kumi District, Kumi Diocese.
Archbishop Kaziimba who arrived in Kumi Diocese for a 4-day official pastoral visit earlier in the day, noted that the Church of Uganda Directorate of Household and Community Transformation through the Interfaith Action for Gender and Economic justice, has continued to invest in women by supporting initiatives that promote economic empowerment with women and girls at the fore front.
He pledged Church of Uganda’s support to victims of Gender Based Violence through provision of counselling services and making safe spaces for victims like Mothers Union, Fathers Union, Youth and Children Ministries.
“The Church will also strengthen the boy child programs in all churches to groom and mentor the boy child right from childhood to responsible men in future. “I call upon parents to ensure positive parenting by playing your roles.” Archbishop Kaziimba noted.
He commended the efforts and support from partners especially Dan Church Aid (DCA) who have supported the Church of Uganda in implementation of Women economic empowerment projects in Kumi, Rakai, Sembabule, Lwengo, and Bukedea Districts and has yielded good results.
In a media interview, the Director of Household and Community Transformation, Rev Andrew Agaba said that they will build the capacity of women and girls in order for them to participate in income generating activities and business, participate in planning and family decision making
processes for better society.
Church of Uganda celebrated Women’s Day under the theme; “Accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment.”
Earlier in the day, Archbishop Kazimba and Bishop Michael Okwii Esarkan together with Christians reclaimed the Churches and other properties previously abducted by the Reformed Anglican Church under Charles Okunya.
Archbishop Kaziimba condemned the level of indiscipline by Okunya and team of grabbing Church land, Churches and Schools and called on them to repent.
This Women’s Day celebrations was attended by Church of Uganda’s Provincial Secretary, Rev Canon William Ongeng, Provincial Treasurer, Balaam Muhebwa, Provincial Human Resource Manager, Jane Kiggundu, Mothers Union and family life coordinator, Rev. Barbara Mugisha, Provincial Secretariat Staff; Uganda Christian University’s Rev Dr. Richard Mulindwa Muwonge, Kumi District Deputy RDC, Kyomya James among others.
