By Mike Rwothomio 

The Church of Uganda, through its Directorate of Household and Community Transformation (HCT), has initiated a humanitarian aid operation by dispatching essential relief supplies to Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Isingiro District, Ankole Diocese.

In a statement shared on the Church of Uganda’s Facebook page on 26 May, the Church underscored its ongoing commitment to supporting forcibly displaced populations fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.

The relief effort was officially launched by Provincial Secretary Rev. Canon William Ongeng, following an urgent humanitarian appeal issued on 28 April 2025.

The appeal was spurred by his visit to Nakivale on 22 April, where he observed the acute challenges faced by displaced families.

“These refugees, especially women and children, have been uprooted from their homes with nothing and are grappling with severe shortages of food, clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. Guided by our faith, the Church is compelled to provide both spiritual and material support to restore hope and dignity to those in crisis,” said Rev. Canon Ongeng.

The operation was made possible through a US$30,000 contribution from the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF), complemented by generous donations from Dioceses, Mission Partners, and individual Christians across the Province.

These resources enabled the procurement of critical relief supplies tailored to the urgent needs of the settlement.

The aid consignment includes 800 bars of washing soap, 800 bars of bathing soap, 800 tubes of toothpaste, 1,000 sanitary pads, 800 pairs of women’s undergarments, 100 baby diapers, 250 tumplines, 800 containers of petroleum jelly, 800 buckets, and 400 pieces of kitenge fabric. Additional items include 800 pairs of slippers, 120 bags of clothing donated by Christian communities, and personal care items such as combs, petticoats for women, and other essential hygiene materials.

Rev. Agaba Andrew, Director of Household and Community Transformation, expressed profound gratitude for the collective solidarity and emphasized the importance of sustained support.

“This mission goes beyond delivering supplies—it is about restoring dignity and hope to those who have lost everything. We are deeply thankful for the contributions received, but the needs remain immense. We continue to welcome support and invite all Christians to join this compassionate humanitarian effort,” he stated.

The Rt. Rev. Prof. Sheldon Mwesigwa, Dean of the Province and Bishop of Ankole Diocese, will oversee the reception of the relief supplies in Ankole Diocese, where Nakivale Refugee Settlement is located. He will lead the official handover and distribution activities throughout the week, which will also incorporate locally collected items from Christians in the Diocese.

The Church of Uganda remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting communities affected by conflict and displacement. Through spiritual guidance and tangible aid, the Church continues to address the needs of vulnerable populations.

The Church maintains an ongoing emergency response program in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, with a focus on gender-based violence (GBV) prevention. The Nakivale field office plays a pivotal role in coordinating outreach and providing sustained support to refugee families.

As the crisis persists, the Church of Uganda pledges to continue standing in solidarity with those affected, offering practical assistance and the message of hope rooted in Christian values.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa