By Mike Rwothomio

The Nebbi Diocese Church of Uganda is currently observing its annual Youth Week, a week-long program running from Monday, April 20, to Sunday, April 26, 2026. 

The initiative focuses on engaging young people through practical community service, gospel outreach, spiritual discipleship, and leadership development across more than 40 parishes in the diocese’s seven archdeaconries.

Youth Week, an established annual observance in the Church of Uganda, aims to nurture young members, deepen their faith, and equip them for active roles in church life and society. Activities typically include Bible studies, prayer sessions, outreach projects, sports, and training sessions.

This year’s program emphasizes “discipleship in action,” encouraging youths to channel their energy into tangible service while addressing contemporary challenges such as idleness, drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancies, and moral disengagement.

On Friday, youths from St. Paul Church of Uganda Mvungu in Paidha Town Parish, under the Goli Central Archdeaconry, carried out a combined outreach at Paidha Health Centre III in Paidha Town Council. 

Led by Diocesan Youth Leader Ronald Okech, along with lay leaders Jimmy Bidong and Gilbert Ocokuru and other youth coordinators, the group conducted cleanliness exercises at the health facility, preached the gospel to patients and staff, and donated essential items including soap, sugar, and salt to support the sick.

“The week-long event is being observed across more than 40 parishes, featuring various outreach programs and activities,” said Ronald Okech.He encouraged active participation from all religious leaders and youths throughout the diocese.

Youth leaders in the Nebbi Diocese Church of Uganda.

Many young learners from Mvungu Upper Primary School joined the effort, demonstrating inter-generational involvement in the cleanliness campaign.

Lay Leader Jimmy Bidong highlighted plans for the final day: “On Surtaday, we shall also go to Paidha central market to clean and preach the gospel to the market vendors and traders.”

Brenda Iwutung, Youth Mission Coordinator at St. Paul Church Mvungu, explained the evangelistic focus: “The outreach serves as a spiritual and practical example aimed at attracting more youth to the church. We call upon youths to come and join here and in the church.” She urged young people, many of whom have become distanced from church life, to renew their commitment through regular programs such as morning devotions, Bible studies, and outreaches.

Marvis Atyerunimungu, Youth Assistant Project Coordinator, stressed the importance of environmental hygiene: “One of the activities that we are doing as youths of St. Paul is cleanliness, so we have come to Paidha Health Centre III to show the community that the way we can serve in the church is when we are healthy by ensuring our environment is clean.” She called on the wider community to maintain cleanliness in public spaces and homes.

Church leaders noted that such initiatives help counter social challenges facing young people while fostering holistic ministry that combines faith with practical service. The activities are seen as a model for how youth can contribute positively to society and strengthen their commitment to the church.

Youth ministry remains a key priority across the Church of Uganda’s 39 dioceses, with local celebrations often aligned to provincial or national initiatives.

According to the church , these efforts build on broader programs, including youth conventions, conferences, and the recent launch of a Provincial Youth Policy aimed at promoting fellowship, consistent church attendance, spiritual growth, and mentorship for young Anglicans.

Diocesan Youth leader Okech noted that the 2026 Youth Week in Nebbi Diocese is expected to conclude on Sunday with further celebrations, expressing hope that the visible acts of service will draw more young people into active fellowship.

Church youths clean Paidha Health center III

Mike Rwothomio is the News Editor at Zoomer Africa, your trusted grassroots information hub for African stories, voices, and updates.