Bishop Baalwa preaches compassion for stepchildren, co-wives

KAMPALA - Bishop Fredrick Jackson Baalwa has called on Christian families to reflect God’s love in their households by treating stepchildren, co-wives, and domestic workers with dignity and compassion.

Speaking at the Mothers’ Union Central Region Prayer and Fasting Retreat held at All Saints Cathedral Nakasero in Kampala on Thursday, the interim Bishop of Kampala Diocese encouraged women to follow Christ’s example of unconditional love, especially toward those they may struggle to accept.

He added that being good should not be reserved for those who treat us well. Instead, true Christian character is shown through kindness to those who may not appear to deserve it.

“We often do good, but I don’t think we are being good to all people. Psalm 145:9 says, ‘The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works.’ Your God is good to all, and you should be good to all,” he told the congregation.

He noted that people frequently extend kindness only to those who reciprocate, but Christ calls believers to a higher standard.

The bishop shared his own life experience to illustrate the power of unconditional love.
He revealed that he fathered a child while still in secondary school.

When he later married Ruth, she insisted that the child live with them and grow up in their home.

“Ruth loves our son so much that he trusts her more than he trusts me. He confides in her, and I only learn about his concerns through her,” Bishop Baalwa revealed.

He said that his wife’s love towards her stepson—was not just basic care but true, motherly affection. “When we talk about goodness, we don’t mean general niceness, but goodness toward those who are difficult to love,” he said.

Although his message received only modest applause, the bishop remarked humorously that this was expected, as few people find it easy to emulate such selfless behaviour.

He also urged women to treat housemaids, drivers, and security guards with the same respect and love they give to their own children.

 “You find families who claim to be born again but mistreat their domestic workers. Yet how we treat others can become a barrier to our prayers and connection with God.”
Bishop Baalwa also recounted the story of his mother’s faith during a challenging marriage. Though married in church, his father later took multiple additional wives and brought them into the same household.

“My mother was amazing. She prayed for the other women—not with bitterness, but with a genuine heart. She prayed that they would be blessed with children and good lives,” he said.

Some of the members of the Mothers Union pose for a photo with Elizabeth Carolyn Kikoyo (second from Left), the president Mothers Union and christian women fellowship diocese of Kampala. This was during the Central Region Prayer and Fasting Retreat organized by the Mothers’ Union at All Saints Cathedral Nakasero on June 26, 2025. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

According to the bishop, his father eventually left the other women and returned to his mother—a change he attributes to the consistent goodness and faith his mother demonstrated over the years.

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rt. Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu also addressed the gathering, encouraging women to trust in God’s enduring goodness.

He reminded the congregation that God will never forsake His people, even when they face opposition from co-wives, difficult in-laws, or hostile work environments.

“In Him, you are stronger than your co-wife or your enemies. Stop focusing on the size of your problems and focus on the strength of your God. When God becomes bigger in your eyes, the problems become smaller.”

Elizabeth Carolyn Kikoyo, President of the Mothers’ Union Christian Women in the Diocese of Kampala and Vice President for the Central Region, said the annual gathering brings together Christian women from seven dioceses: Kampala, Luweero, Mukono, Central Buganda, West Buganda, and Mityana.

Every year, different dioceses host the retreat

Kikoyo acknowledged the personal struggles many women face in their homes but noted that collective prayer brings transformation.

“We believe that when we come together as women of faith and cry out to God, He hears us. Prayers change things, our homes, our communities, and even our nation.”

She stressed that without God, the country cannot overcome its challenges, particularly as it approaches the 2026 general elections.

Miriam Birakwate Mukombozi, the Family Ministries Coordinator in the Diocese of Kampala, reminded the women of their role in shaping families and the nation.

Mukombozi challenged the women to remain prayerful and intentional in raising future leaders.

She also expressed hope that through unity in prayer and action, Uganda will enjoy peaceful elections and stronger families.