By Kitts D.Mabonga
Women belonging to the Church of Uganda in South Ankole Diocese have received praise for their efforts to engage in strategic initiatives that have contributed to the growth of their household incomes and development in the area.
During an interview with the East African Gazette, the Bishop of South Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev Nathan Ahimbisibwe, highlighted the presence of various development programs and projects supported by the government and development partners.
He noted that these opportunities have been effectively utilized by the women in his diocese to enhance their overall quality of life and their families.
Ahimbisibwe highlighted the exceptional productivity of the women in his diocese, who have embarked on various projects including large-scale coffee growing, modern fishing, and banana cultivation.
He went on to praise the President of Uganda Gen. (RTD) Yoweri Museveni for his unwavering support towards the diocese, particularly the economic empowerment initiatives that have enabled many women to overcome poverty.
He encouraged all energetic women especially the youths to participate in the various programs to combat household poverty.
He expressed his gratitude towards Rita Byomuhumuza, the president of the Mothers Union in the diocese, for her proactive efforts in mobilizing women to participate in income-generating programs.
Because of her efforts, he says now hundreds of individuals are now benefiting directly from various initiatives.
The South Ankole Diocese received a Sprinkler Irrigation System valued at UG shs786 million from the Ministry of Water and Environment.
This system covers twenty acres of land and has significantly enhanced agricultural activities within the diocese.
Bishop Ahimbisibwe says with the projects, they aim at improving the social welfare and economic development of the church and Christians of the area to eradicate poverty in the entire diocese.
Byomuhumuza named a few accomplished women in the coffee growing industry, such as Robinah Mujuni, Aida Twinobusingye, and Carlorine Gumoshabe.
She said the three and others in various sectors have emerged as influential figures, serving as role models not only in Ntungamo district but also within the church community as a whole.
“We wish to thank our Bishop for extensively lobbying government to provide the diocese with the key machinery tools and appliances especially in the agricultural value chain which has effectively boosted both group and household incomes noted Bymuhumuza adding that as women leaders of the church, they will continue mobilizing more women to join them in fighting household poverty,” he added.
South Ankole Diocese is one of the fastest growing Diocese in the Province of the Church of Uganda located in the South Western part of the Country which was consecrated on 8th January 2012.
It covers Ntungamo District with a population of about 405,600.
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