North Kigezi Diocese News
Hundreds of members of the Mother’s Union in North Kigezi Diocese, led by the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, and Maama Florence Asiimwe, gathered at All Saints Church Rukungiri on Wednesday to join the rest of the Anglican Communion in celebrating 150 years of the Mother’s Union worldwide.
The celebrations began with a thanksgiving service at All Saints Church Rukungiri, followed by a procession through the streets of Rukungiri Town. The celebrations also featured exhibitions where different Mother’s Union teams from various parishes showcased products and works made through their skills and hands-on activities.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe recognised the contribution of Mary Sumner, through whom the vision of the Mother’s Union was birthed 150 years ago. Drawing from Job 8:7, he encouraged the members not to despise humble beginnings, noting that great achievements can grow from small beginnings.
The Bishop also commended the Mother’s Union for its contribution to the growth and ministry of the Church. He said he was pleased that the organisation remained vibrant in North Kigezi Diocese and the wider province of the church of Uganda.
Bishop Asiimwe further called upon the Father’s Union to strengthen itself, noting that the two unions have an important role to play together in strengthening Christian families and the Church.
He urged Mother’s Union members to prioritise their faith and salvation, saying that strong families are built when Christians remain rooted in Christ. He encouraged them to preach the Word of God, become people of the Word, read the Bible, serve as role models in their communities and uphold Christian values and self-respect.
Maama Florence Asiimwe called upon Mother’s Union members to respect and value their uniforms as a symbol of their identity and commitment to the union. She also encouraged women to actively contribute to the development of their respective churches by establishing something in regard to 150 years and to remain consistent and committed so that the Mother’s Union can continue for generations to come.
Addressing the older members of the Mother’s Union, Maama Florence urged them to become role models and mentors to the younger generation. She encouraged them to return to the Christian values they were taught and to live as women who know and follow Christ.
She emphasised that for the Mother’s Union to remain strong for another 150 years, its members must know Christ and build their lives and families on the Word of God. She cautioned against passing on practices such as witchcraft and sorcery, encouraging members instead to uphold values centred on Christ.
Maama Florence further challenged the women to make the Mother’s Union attractive and welcoming to all members by overcoming malice, envy and divisions. She called for unity among members and urged them to break down the barriers that separate them as they celebrate the union’s 150-year journey.
The celebrations were attended by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Munturive NshabaRuhanga; Diocesan Missions Coordinator, Rev. Julius Niwagaba; Mother’s Union President, Joan Muntungi; Father’s Union President, Mr. Peter Tuhairwe; Diocesan Family Life Coordinator, Irene Tumwesigyire; Dean of Emmanuel Cathedral, The Very Rev. Dickens Baguma; Archdeacon of Rujumbura Archdeaconry, Ven. Benson Akankwatsa; Archdeacon of Bugangari Archdeaconry, Ven. Erasmus Barangirana; Archdeacon of Kyabugashe Archdeaconry, Ven. Amos Katushabe, alongside clergy, leaders and hundreds of Mother’s Union members from across the Diocese.
The celebration served as an opportunity for the Mother’s Union in North Kigezi to give thanks for its 150-year journey while renewing its commitment to strengthening Christian families, nurturing faith and serving the Church and communities.
By Ayebazibwe Sezi
Photos by Ankunda Jordan
