Church of Uganda flags off relief supplies for Nakivale refugees

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The Church of Uganda, through its Directorate of Household and Community Transformation, has today, Monday, flagged off a consignment of relief items to Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro district, Ankole Diocese.

This humanitarian response forms part of the Church’s ongoing commitment to supporting refugees fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.

The relief items were flagged off by the provincial secretary, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, following an emergency appeal he issued on April 28, 2025.

The appeal was prompted by his visit to Nakivale on April 22, where he witnessed firsthand the dire conditions faced by displaced families.

"These refugees, particularly women and children, have fled their homes without anything and are facing significant challenges in accessing food, clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. As a Church, we are moved to act both spiritually and physically to offer hope and healing to our brothers and sisters in crisis," Rev. Ongeng said.

A generous contribution of sh109,320,000 from the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF), along with support from dioceses, mission partners, and individual Christians across the province, enabled the Church of Uganda to mobilise and procure a wide range of urgently needed relief supplies.

The relief consignment comprises 800 pieces of washing soap, 800 pieces of bathing soap, 800 tubes of toothpaste, 1,000 sanitary pads, 800 pairs of women’s knickers, 100 baby nappies, 250 tumplines, 800 pieces of jelly, 800 buckets, and 400 pieces of kitenge fabric.

It also includes 800 pairs of slippers, 120 bags of clothes collected from Christian communities, and personal care items such as combs, pet coats for women, among other essential hygiene materials.

Rev. Andrew Agaba, the Director of Household and Community Transformation, expressed deep gratitude for the solidarity shown across the Church and emphasized the need for continued support.

Rev. Andrew Agaba, the Director of Household and Community Transformation, expressed deep gratitude for the solidarity shown across the Church and emphasised the need for continued support.

"This is not just about distributing items. It’s about restoring dignity and hope to people who have lost everything. We thank everyone who has responded so far, but the need remains overwhelming. We continue to welcome all donations and encourage every Christian to be part of this compassionate mission," he said.

The Dean of the Province and Bishop of Ankole Diocese, Rt Rev Prof Sheldon Mwesigwa, will receive the relief items in Ankole Diocese, where Nakivale Refugee Settlement is located.

Prof. Mwesigwa will then officiate the official handover and distribution exercise, which will take place throughout the week and will include additional items collected locally by Christians in the diocese.

Rev. Agaba said the Church of Uganda remains committed to supporting those affected by conflict and displacement. Through both spiritual encouragement and material support, the Church continues to respond to the needs of vulnerable communities.