The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu has reiterated the Church’s commitment towards ending violence against women and girls in homes, schools, workplaces, and public places.
This comes as the Church of Uganda joined the rest of the world on March 8 to recognize the need to empower women and girls in order to reduce their vulnerability to Gender Based Violence in all forms.
“We affirm the biblical truth that all individuals were created in the image and likeness of God, (Genesis 1:26-28) and God also gave each of us unique talents and abilities. Therefore it is imperative to remove barriers that limit women and girls to access equal opportunities and fulfil their God given purpose,” the Archbishop said.
The Archbishop made these remarks while delivering a press statement during the Church of Uganda’s International Women’s Day celebrations that took place at St Stephen’s Church of Uganda in Kumi District, Kumi Diocese.
Archbishop Kaziimba who arrived in Kumi Diocese for a 4-day official pastoral visit earlier in the day, noted that the Church’s Directorate of Household and Community Transformation through the Interfaith Action for Gender and Economic justice, has continued to invest in women by supporting initiatives that promote economic empowerment with women and girls at the forefront.
He pledged support to victims of Gender Based Violence through provision of counselling services and making safe spaces for victims like Mothers Union, Fathers Union, Youth and Children Ministries.
“The Church will also strengthen the boy child programs in all churches to groom and mentor the boy child right from childhood to responsible men in future. I call upon parents to ensure positive parenting by playing your roles,” Kaziimba said.
He commended the efforts and support from partners especially Dan Church Aid (DCA) who have supported the Church of Uganda in implementation of Women economic empowerment projects in Kumi, Rakai, Sembabule, Lwengo, and Bukedea Districts and has yielded good results.
Earlier in the day, Archbishop Kaziimba and Bishop Micheal Okwii Esarkan together with Christians reclaimed the Churches and other properties previously taken over by the Reformed Anglican Church under Charles Okunya.
Archbishop Kaziimba condemned the level of indiscipline by Okunya and team of grabbing Church land, Churches and Schools and called on them to repent.
