The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged members of the Christian Women Fellowship (CWF) to emulate the devotion of Mary Magdalene, set their priorities right, and remain steadfast in doing good, even amid criticism.
The Archbishop made the remarks on Wednesday while leading a devotion and officially opening a one-day leadership retreat for Diocesan Christian Women Fellowship leaders and Mothers’ Union Community Development Coordinators (CDCs) at Namirembe Guesthouse in Kampala.
“Mary Magdalene’s devotion to God was unmatched. She set her priorities right and made wise choices,” Archbishop Kaziimba said. “Whenever you do good, criticism will come. But don’t give in, your voluntary and selfless service will be rewarded by God.”
He encouraged the women to lead with a kingdom mindset and resist discouragement.
“People may ask what you gain, but remember, God blesses those who serve Him faithfully,” he added.
Balaam Muheebwa, the Provincial Treasurer and Acting Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, praised the fellowship’s inclusivity and commitment. He called on members to lead by example in both action and character.
“CWF is inclusive and visionary. Let your leadership reflect the values you promote so that others can be inspired to embrace Christian womanhood,” Muheebwa said. He also pledged continued support from the Provincial Secretariat for their spiritual and social initiatives.
Rev. Simon Peter Ddembe Lya Yesu, Director of Mission and Outreach, highlighted the renewed focus on CWF as a response to increasing spiritual neglect among young women.
“We are witnessing a drift among many girls and women. Through well-organized fellowships, we want to restore a sense of belonging and end the ‘orphaned spirit’ caused by stigma. Every woman deserves dignity and equality before the Lord,” he said.
He emphasized the need to strengthen CWF with structured leadership and a guiding constitution. “We envision a provincial CWF leadership with clear representation, a constitution, and alignment with other ministries under Family Life,” Rev. Ddembe added.
Rev. Barbara Mugisha, Provincial Coordinator for the Mothers’ Union and Family Life Ministry, reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to integrating CWF into its formal structures.
“CWF is vibrant and inclusive. We’re beginning this process by drafting a constitution which will follow the Church’s formal approval process, from the Directorate of Mission and Outreach to the Provincial Assembly,” she explained. “We are committed to proper procedure, protocol, and policy.”
She also stressed the importance of CWF in nurturing and instilling godly values among women across the Church.
During the retreat, a team was selected to spearhead the drafting of the CWF Constitution. The members include Gladys Kiragga (Namirembe Diocese), Rev. Capt. Hellen Munduru Ayibo (Ma’di and West Nile Diocese), Mugisa Doreen (Bunyoro-Kitara Diocese), and Dorothy Kasango (Central Busoga Diocese).
The initial draft was prepared during the meeting, and it was agreed that a follow-up meeting would be scheduled to review, refine, and formally adopt the document before submission through the Church’s official channels.
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