Bishop Kahuma asks women to scale up poverty fight

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The bishop of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese Samuel Kahuma has asked the women to scale up poverty by engaging in different income generation activities and working in organised groups.

Kahuma, who was on Tuesday receiving a delegation of Mother’s Union members from Masindi Kitara Diocese at St Peter’s Cathedral in Hoima city, said the Church of Uganda recognises the significant contribution of the women in extending social services to the people, especially in the health and education sector.

He challenged religious leaders to focus on relevant ministries that engineer the fight against poverty at the household level.

“I'm happy that a delegation from Masindi-Kitara Diocese, which was carved out of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese has come for benchmarking and touring the different projects, which are being undertaken by the Mother’s Union in our diocese,” Kahuma said.

The prelate added that they are currently in a fundraising drive for the construction of Bunyoro Diocese Mothers’ Union Family Complex in Duhaga, Hoima City.

“Whereas spiritual nourishment is important, it is not the only aspect of religious ministry. Our women should engage in different activities and work together for development,” Kahuma added.

Economically empowering believers

Grace Mukugize, the Mother’s Union president in Bunyoro Kitara Diocese, said a ministry that does not economically empower believers impedes social-economic transformation.

“Any religious institution that does not develop its faithful holistically does not only frustrate social-economic transformation but also hinder the gospel ministry. As one way of improving the women's ministry in the diocese we have come up with different projects which are aimed at empowering the women economically,” she said.

Mukugize said couples should not look at individual accumulation of wealth but rather work together to achieve prosperity and financial stability in their homes. 

She said that happiness in families comes with responsibilities appealing to couples to always pay a price if peace and stability is to reign in homes. 

Bagada, a member of the union, also cited a need for married couples to invest time in their families and nurture responsible children.

“One of our core values is to ensure that families are stable and we have been carrying out training at different levels engaging all stakeholders in ensuring that families are stable so that they can better serve the Lord,” she said.

Grace Wandera, the Mother’s Union president for Masindi Kitara diocese said that the aim of the visit was also aimed at helping them understand some of the different projects in Bunyoro Kitara Diocese.

“This is our mother diocese and they have been implementing different projects which we also need to undertake so we arranged for this tour and am happy that it has been a successful event,” Bagada said.

Wandera also said that the visit was aimed at fostering cooperation between the dioceses which share a lot in common.