The Church of Uganda has mobilized national resources and community solidarity to respond to the worsening conditions at Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro District.
Through its Directorate of Household and Community Transformation (HCT), the Church flagged off a truckload of urgently needed relief items on Monday, marking a coordinated response across dioceses, mission partners, and Christian communities from all corners of the country.
The initiative follows a passionate appeal issued on April 28th by the Provincial Secretary, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, after his visit to Nakivale where he encountered alarming levels of need among displaced families fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.
“These refugees, particularly women and children, are in desperate conditions. As a Church, our mission compels us to respond with both compassion and action,” said Rev. Ongeng during the flag-off ceremony in Kampala.
What sets this response apart is the level of collective involvement. Backed by a \$30,000 donation from the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF), along with contributions from all dioceses and individuals, the Church was able to procure a wide range of relief items, including soap, sanitary pads, clothing, hygiene kits, and more.
Among the items being sent are 800 pairs of slippers, 1,000 sanitary pads, 800 tubes of toothpaste, 400 pieces of kitenge fabric, 120 bags of clothes, and personal care items — many of them donated by ordinary Christians moved by the plight of refugees.
“This is more than just aid. It’s a demonstration of how a united Church can bring restoration to people who have lost everything,” said Rev. Agaba Andrew, Director of HCT. “We still call upon every Christian to join us in this journey of compassion.”
The consignment will be received by the Rt. Rev. Prof. Sheldon Mwesigwa, Bishop of Ankole Diocese and Dean of the Province, who will lead the official handover and distribution in Nakivale throughout the week. Locally collected items from Christians in Ankole will also be included in the distribution.
Beyond immediate relief, the Church of Uganda continues to operate a field office in Nakivale as part of its long-term emergency response program, focusing particularly on gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and community outreach.
As Uganda continues to host some of the highest numbers of refugees in Africa, Church leaders say the Nakivale response highlights the power of faith communities to step in where state and international responses may be strained.
“We stand with refugees not only because it is a moral duty, but because it reflects the Gospel we preach one of hope, healing, and restoration,” said Rev. Ongeng.
