The Church of Uganda, through its Directorate of Household and Community Transformation (HCT), has dispatched a consignment of relief items to Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro District.
This humanitarian intervention is part of the Church’s ongoing commitment to supporting refugees fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.
The relief consignment was officially flagged off on Monday by the Provincial Secretary, Rev. Canon William Ongeng. This follows an emergency appeal he issued on 28th April 2025, prompted by his visit to Nakivale on 22nd April, where he witnessed the dire conditions facing displaced families.
“These refugees, particularly women and children, have fled their homes with nothing and are facing severe challenges in accessing food, clean water, sanitation, and healthcare,” said Rev. Canon Ongeng. “As a Church, we are compelled to act both spiritually and practically to offer hope and healing to our brothers and sisters in crisis.”
A generous contribution of $30,000 from the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF), along with support from dioceses, mission partners, and individual Christians across the Province, enabled the Church to mobilize a wide range of urgently needed relief supplies.
The consignment includes 800 pieces each of washing soap, bathing soap, toothpaste, and jelly, 1,000 sanitary pads, 800 pairs of women’s knickers, 100 baby diapers, 250 tumplines, 800 buckets and 400 pieces of kitenge fabric.
It also contains 800 pairs of slippers, 120 bags of donated clothing, and various personal care items such as combs and pet-coats for women, among other essential hygiene materials.
Rev. Agaba Andrew, Director of Household and Community Transformation, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the solidarity shown across the Church and emphasized the importance of sustained support.
“This is not just about distributing items, it’s about restoring dignity and hope to people who have lost everything,” he said. “We deeply appreciate those who have contributed so far, but the need remains overwhelming. We encourage continued donations and call upon every Christian to join this compassionate mission.”
The Dean of the Province and Bishop of Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Sheldon Mwesigwa, will receive the consignment on behalf of the Diocese, where Nakivale Refugee Settlement is located.
He will preside over the official handover and oversee the distribution exercise throughout the week. Additional items collected by local Christians in the Diocese will also be distributed.
The Church of Uganda remains steadfast in its support for communities affected by conflict and displacement. Through spiritual encouragement and tangible assistance, it continues to stand alongside vulnerable populations.
The Church also operates an emergency response project in Nakivale focused on gender-based violence (GBV) prevention. The Nakivale field office plays a critical role in coordinating outreach and supporting refugee families.
As needs persist, the Church of Uganda remains committed to offering both practical assistance and the enduring hope of Jesus Christ.
