37 chaplains commissioned to anchor cultural leaders spiritually

MADI - Thirty-seven chaplains have been commissioned to provide spiritual guidance and mentorship to cultural leaders in Madi subregion in Uganda's northwest.

This was after a three-day intensive training conducted by Overland Missions under a tribal chaplaincy programme in Adjumani district.

Overland Missions is a global evangelical organisation focused on reaching remote, neglected, and unreached people groups. 

It works alongside traditional leaders by training trusted Christian advisors to serve within cultural institutions.

In Madi, the 37 chaplains were appointed by the local chiefs, kings, and cultural authorities. They were selected from the districts of Moyo, Adjumani, Madi Okollo, Obongi and part of neighbouring South Sudan.

They underwent specialised training on spiritual leadership, counselling, conflict resolution and servant leadership before official commissioning.

Austin Bonnema, the director of tribal chaplaincy for Overland Missions, said their vision is for every chief and king to have a personal chaplain who can guide them spiritually and support them as they make decisions for the good of their people.

One of the trained chaplains receiving a certificate upon completion of a tribal chaplaincy programme training by Overland Missions. (Credit: Doreen Tasia)

"Often times in the bible, we see that kings had priests on their side and so that same vision has been brought to the modern context to help them make good Godly decisions for the people and develop spiritual health," he said.

The chaplains pledged to work closely with the cultural leaders in the promotion of unity, peace and reconciliation.

His Royal Highness Stephen Opi Drani Izakare, the clan chief of Palanyua in Adjumani district, agreed that every kingdom needs a chaplain to direct them on doing the will of God in relation to governance of the people.

"Every kingdom needs a chaplain who would pray for the king and the people to ensure that the peace and unity is protected, and as soldiers with a commander who is God, then we shall be directed on what to do," he said.

Emmanuel Okware, the deputy resident district commissioner of Adjumani, encouraged the chaplains to put the knowledge acquired into practice "and reach out to all the targeted people as expected".

Through the tribal chaplaincy programme, Overland Missions works to strengthen the partnership between the church and traditional authority so that messages of hope, peace, and Godly leadership can reach deeper in communities.