KAMPALA- The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has called upon members of the Christian Women Fellowship to emulate the devotion of Mary Magdalene, set their values and priorities right, and never grow weary in doing good—even in the face of criticism.
He made these remarks while leading a devotion and officially opening a one-day leadership retreat for Diocesan Christian Women Fellowship (CWF) leaders and Diocesan Mothers’ Union Community Development Coordinators (CDCs), held at Namirembe Guesthouse in Kampala, today.
“Mary Magdalene’s devotion to God was unmatched. She knew how to set her priorities and made the right choices. Whenever you do good, you will face negative criticism, but do not bow down to it. Your work is voluntary and selfless—keep focused, and God will surely reward you.” Archbishop Kaziimba said
The Archbishop further encouraged women leaders to remain steadfast and to serve with a kingdom mindset. “People may question where you benefit from, but always remember, when you serve the Lord, He will reward you abundantly,” he added.
Speaking at the same event, Mr. Balaam Muheebwa, the Provincial Treasurer and Acting Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, commended the Christian Women Fellowship for their dedication and charged them to lead by example.
“Your fellowship is inclusive and has clear vision. However, as you lead inclusively, you must also be exemplary so that others who observe CWF will admire and value being a Christian woman.” Mr. Muheebwa said.
Muheebwa emphasized that such fellowships should foster strong social and spiritual networks and promised support from the Provincial Secretariat in their endeavours.
Rev. Simon Peter Ddembe Lya Yesu, Director of Mission and Outreach, highlighted the strategic focus on Christian Women Fellowship as a response to the growing spiritual neglect among girls and women.
“A number of young women are drifting away, and we want to restore a sense of belonging through well-organized fellowships. We are determined to end the orphaned spirit caused by stigma and ensure all women are treated equally before the Lord.” Rev. Ddembe explained
He also underscored the need to revive the CWF ministry with a clear plan and structure. “We want to see a provincial CWF leadership with a constitution, strong representation, and harmony with other fellowships under the Family Life Ministry,” he said.
Rev. Barbara Mugisha, Provincial Coordinator of the Mothers’ Union and Family Life Ministry, reaffirmed efforts to formally integrate CWF into the leadership structures of the Church of Uganda.
“CWF is a vibrant and inclusive fellowship. We are beginning with this meeting to draft a constitution, which will go through the Directorate of Mission and Outreach, the Provincial Assembly Standing Committee, and finally the Provincial Assembly for approval. We are following proper Church protocol, procedure and policies.”
Rev. Barbara emphasized the ministry’s role in nurturing and instilling godly values in women across the Church.
During today’s retreat, Mrs. Gladys Kiragga from Namirembe Diocese, Rev. Capt. Hellen Munduru Ayibo from Ma’di and West Nile Diocese, Mrs. Mugisa Doreen from Bunyoro-Kitara Diocese, and Mrs. Dorothy Kasango from Central Busoga Diocese were selected to lead the drafting of the Christian Women Fellowship (CWF) Constitution, which was prepared drafted the meeting.
It was agreed that another meeting will be scheduled to review, approve, and formally adopt the constitution before submitting it for onward consideration through the Church of Uganda’s established structures.
