By Richard Onapatum
KUMI– In a resounding declaration, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has reaffirmed the Church’s unwavering commitment to end violence against women and girls across all spheres of society.
Amidst global recognition of the urgent need to empower women and girls, the Church of Uganda has taken a bold stance to combat Gender Based Violence (GBV) in homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
Archbishop Kaziimba, currently on a pastoral visit in Kumi Diocese, spearheaded various initiatives aimed at empowering women economically and advocating for their rights. He led a compelling congregation at St. Stephen CoU in Kumi district, marking the International Women’s Day with a powerful message of equality and empowerment.
“We affirm the biblical truth that all individuals were created in the image and likeness of God, and each endowed with unique talents and abilities,” stated Archbishop Kaziimba, emphasizing the imperative to dismantle barriers hindering women and girls from accessing equal opportunities.
The Church of Uganda’s Directorate of Household and Community Transformation, in collaboration with Interfaith Action for Gender and Economic Justice, has been instrumental in supporting women’s economic empowerment initiatives. Their efforts span across various districts including Kumi, Rakai, Sembabule, Lwengo, and Bukedea.
Acknowledging the crucial role of parental guidance, Archbishop Kaziimba called upon parents to foster positive parenting and nurture responsible behavior in their children, especially boys.
In an exclusive interview, Rev. Andrew Agaba, the Director of Household and Community Transformation, outlined plans to enhance the capacity of women and girls, enabling their active participation in income-generating activities and decision-making processes within families.
The Church of Uganda’s commitment extends beyond rhetoric, with concrete measures in place to support survivors of GBV through counseling services and the establishment of safe spaces within various church ministries.
Partner organizations, particularly Dan Church Aid (DCA), have been instrumental in bolstering the Church’s endeavors towards women’s economic empowerment, yielding commendable results in communities across Uganda.
As the world commemorates Women’s Day, the Church of Uganda echoes the theme, “Accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment,” underscoring its unwavering dedication to creating a more just and equitable society for all.