World Vision trained church leaders to focus on peace building

By Flavia Lanyero

The Omudingya wa Bwamba (King of Bwamba) Rt Col Martin Ayongi Kamya has urged newly graduated catechists in Bundhibugyo to emphasise peace building in the communities as his region is currently undergoing tribal conflicts.

“I am glad that there is a peace building approach in the church activities. People’s hearts have been broken, let us enjoy the peace dividends,” His Highness Kamya said.

He was speaking at the passing out of 70 catechists in Bundibugyo on August 27th/2015. Bundhibugyo has in the recent years suffered tribal conflicts with over 60 people killed in July 2014 alone. Currently the region is enjoying some peace after heavy deployment by police and the army.

The church leaders are a new breed of catechists trained by World Vision Uganda to respond to various community challenges as opposed to only spiritually nurturing believers on Sundays. The leaders are also equipped with knowledge about preventing maternal and child deaths, HIV/AIDS prevention among others, which they will disseminate to congregations.

In the past four years, 700 catechists have been trained from all regions of the country.

The trainings which started in 2011 are part of World Vision’s Church Partnership programme dubbed “Theological education by extension and leadership development” that seeks ways of reaching to communities through the church.

Rev Duncan Mugume the Manager Christian Commitment and Church Partnership said that the church is well positioned to have a following, can be relied on and is sustainable. 

“We target to build capacity of church leaders on theology and leadership skills to effectively minister to congregations and put structures to cause engagement from congregations,” said Rev Duncan Mugume, at

“Previously, there was nothing to nature children spiritually in the church, they only came to church to play but now a lot of focus is put on children learning to love God and to be responsible citizens,” said Mr Mugume.

The Bishop of Rwenzori Diocese Reuben Kisembo urged the catechist to aim at acquiring more knowledge in order to become effective change agents in the communities.

World Vision’s Country Director Gilbert Kamanga called upon the graduates to ensure that there is peace in churches, homes and among the people.

“Without peace there is not much we can achieve. I call upon you graduates to ensure that there is Peace in churches, homes and among people,” Mr Kamanga said.   

 So far, the programme boosts of an increase in the number of church goers including children, effective leadership, peace building among others.