Summary:
- Archbishop Kaziimba urged Kerk in Actie to consider expanding their support to more dioceses beyond Kitgum and Soroti, noting the immense needs across the country.
KAMPALA: The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has commended Kerk in Actie for its role in transforming Ugandan communities. He called for continued collaboration to further expand the impact of their shared efforts.
Archbishop Kaziimba made these remarks during a breakfast meeting on Tuesday at the Church of Uganda’s Provincial Secretariat in Namirembe. He met with Hilda Timmerman and Hette Domburg, Program Officers for Africa at Kerk in Actie (Church in Action), a Christian organization focused on offering hope to people in the Netherlands and globally, helping them achieve their potential.
“Your involvement has not only strengthened the Church of Uganda’s relevance to the communities but has also made a meaningful impact on the lives of many individuals and households. Our partnership is of great value, and your commitment to support the Church of Uganda in both good and challenging times demonstrates the love of Christ that dwells in your hearts,” said Archbishop Kaziimba.
During his devotion, the Archbishop referenced Acts 4:32, challenging the Provincial Secretariat staff and partners to emulate the early Church in both character and action.
“The early Church was marked by their sharing and unity. They were believers of one heart, united together. Let us be united for growth and service. We must work together, sharing what little we have, just as the early Church did,” he said.
He added, “As we look forward to continuing this partnership, we must also consider sustainability and incorporate other vital sectors like agribusiness, capacity building, water hygiene and sanitation, youth skills development, gender equality, and social justice.”
Archbishop Kaziimba urged Kerk in Actie to consider expanding their support to more dioceses beyond Kitgum and Soroti, noting the immense needs across the country.
“Our impact can only grow with your continued partnership and increased investment. We would greatly appreciate your consideration of more funding or resource allocation to other programmatic areas to foster greater change in our society,” he emphasized.
Rev. Andrew Agaba, Director of Household and Community Transformation, praised Kerk in Actie for their continued partnership.
“Kerk in Actie’s support has been pivotal in driving sustainable development initiatives within our dioceses. Their focus on disaster risk resilience, climate change action, and community development has significantly improved the lives of many Ugandans,” Rev. Agaba said.
Hilda Timmerman and Hette Domburg, who have been in Uganda for the past two weeks, monitored several projects, including the Church of Uganda’s Strengthening Community Resilience through Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) project, which Kerk in Actie fully funds.
The project is being implemented in the Lamwo District within the Diocese of Kitgum, covering two sub-counties: Palabek Ogili and Palabek Nyimur. Now in its second year of the second cycle since its inception in October 2018, the project is expected to run for a total of 36 months.
Timmerman and Domburg shared their field experiences, highlighting the positive transformations in the communities.
“We have witnessed remarkable progress in the village savings and loans associations. These initiatives have empowered individuals economically, fostering a culture of savings and financial independence,” Timmerman remarked.
Domburg highlighted the community’s dedication to environmental conservation.
“The commitment of local communities to conserving their environment is truly inspiring. Their efforts in tree planting and sustainable farming practices are making a tangible difference in combating climate change,” Domburg noted.
Mr. Balaam Muheebwa, Acting Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, and staff from the Provincial Secretariat also attended the breakfast meeting.
