Summary:
According to Rev. Simon Peter Ddembe Lya Yesu, Director of Mission and Outreach at the Church of Uganda, the collaboration aims to empower Church leaders across Uganda with essential skills and resources to support family life and protect human dignity.
KAMPALA: The Church of Uganda and LIFE International have officially entered into a partnership to strengthen family life and promote the sanctity of human life.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Namirembe Guest House in Kampala by The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, and Chris Rookus, Vice President of LIFE International. The signing was witnessed by Rev. Canon William Ongeng, the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda.
According to Rev. Simon Peter Ddembe Lya Yesu, Director of Mission and Outreach at the Church of Uganda, the collaboration aims to empower Church leaders across Uganda with essential skills and resources to support family life and protect human dignity.
“Through comprehensive training programs, mentorship, and resource development, this partnership will integrate the message of the sanctity of human life into the Church of Uganda’s extensive network,” said Rev. Ddembe Lya Yesu.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized the significance of the partnership in advancing the Church’s mission to care for families and uphold life at all stages.
“As the Church of Uganda, we are committed to promoting a biblical understanding of life and family. This partnership with LIFE International will equip our leaders to be life-givers in their communities, addressing both spiritual and practical needs. It is also a great step in our advocacy against abortion,” said Archbishop Kaziimba.
Chris Rookus, Vice President of LIFE International, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that it aligns with the organization’s mission to champion the value of every human life.
“We are honored to work alongside the Church of Uganda to foster a culture that values and protects human life. Through these training programs and ongoing mentorship, we hope to see a lasting impact in communities across Uganda,” Rookus remarked.
According to Rev. Barbara Mugisha, Provincial Family Life Coordinator for the Church of Uganda, the partnership has already commenced with two key trainings in Busoga Diocese: the “Journey of a Life-Giver,” which equips participants to be sources of spiritual, emotional, and physical support, and “Redemptive Conversations,” designed to provide compassionate responses to individuals facing crises.
The MOU outlines several collaborative initiatives, including regional training sessions in five regions of Uganda (Central, East, West, North, and South), each accommodating up to 50 participants.
Additionally, the partnership will equip Diocesan Mission Coordinators, selected clergy, lay readers, and leaders from the Mothers’ Union (MU), Fathers’ Union (FU), and Christian Women Fellowship (CWF) with skills in biblical counseling, family support, and life-affirming ministry.
Another key focus of the partnership is the development of sustainable life-giving ministries within the Church of Uganda’s network to address community needs such as post-abortion healing and biblical sexuality education.
The agreement will be in effect for three years, with annual reviews to assess progress and ensure the sustainability of life-giving initiatives within the Church of Uganda.
LIFE International is a Christian organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, dedicated to equipping leaders worldwide to champion the value and dignity of human life through training, mentorship, and support for life-giving ministries.
