Ankole Diocese commemorates 68 years of Mothers' Union

ANKOLE - Hundreds of Christians from across Ankole Diocese gathered at St James Cathedral-Ruharo in Mbarara city on Tuesday for the commissioning of Mary’s Day celebrations in the diocese.

The event, a significant occasion in the Anglican calendar, will now be observed in all churches within the diocese.

The diocese also marked 68 years of the Mothers’ Union ministry, which was introduced in Ankole Diocese in 1957. The Mothers’ Union was first established in Uganda in 1908 by Aileen Weather, the wife of the then-headmaster of King's College Budo.

Rt. Rev. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, Bishop of Ankole Diocese and Dean of the Church of Uganda province, presided over the launch of Mary’s Day celebrations. He also officiated at the unveiling of the first edition of the Mothers’ Union magazine, published to commemorate 68 years of ministry in Ankole Diocese.

Bishop Mwesigwa praised the women in the Mothers’ Union for upholding Christ’s teachings on marriage and for their dedication to raising children in the faith and life of the Church. He highlighted their role in promoting stable family life, protecting children, and supporting those facing hardships.

“As I reflect on the vital work of the Mothers’ Union members, I am reminded of the profound impact that mothers and caregivers have on their families, communities, and society as a whole,” Mwesigwa said.

He commended their commitment to nurturing one another and serving others, describing their dedication as a testament to the transformative power of love and compassion.

“We thank God for the Mothers’ Union worldwide, especially in Ankole Diocese, as it guides, nurtures, strengthens, preserves marriage, and supports Christian family life tirelessly,” he added.

Beyond family support, the bishop acknowledged the Mothers’ Union’s efforts in poverty eradication through training women in small businesses and larger projects, such as the planned six-storey Ankole Mothers’ Union Family Complex at Ruharo stage, where the ground floor has already been completed.

Dr. Grace Murengezi, the Mothers Union President Province of the Church of Uganda, Rt Rev.Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, the bishop of Ankole diocese and dean of the province of the church of Uganda and Dr. Alice Mwesigwa wife to Bishop Mwesigwa interact during the celebrations. (Credit: Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

He encouraged the members to continue embracing their role as agents of hope, reconciliation, and healing.

Dr Grace Murengezi, Mothers’ Union president for the Province of the Church of Uganda, was the chief guest at the event. She urged Christians in Ankole Diocese to remain steadfast in prayer and Bible study.

She also praised the diocese for its strides in establishing income-generating projects and encouraged other dioceses to follow suit.
Dr Murengezi also called on Christians to support provincial projects, protect the environment, and advocate against gender-based violence.

Dr Alice Mwesigwa, the main preacher of the day, urged church leaders to promote the “Becoming One” programme and other Mothers’ Union initiatives to foster stable homes, communities, churches, and the nation.

She expressed concern over modern influences that contradict Christian teachings on marriage.

“Christian marriages should not be a matter of compromise because the main goal of the Mothers’ Union is to sustain holy matrimony in relation to Christ’s teaching in the sphere of marriage between man and woman,” Dr. Alice stated.

She also encouraged married couples to embrace forgiveness, reminding them to bear with one another as Jesus Christ forgave them.

Dr Janinah Tumwesigye, Mothers’ Union President for Ankole Diocese, commended the recent leadership under Dr Alice Mwesigwa for significant achievements, including the establishment of the Mothers’ Union Complex, a water project, women’s prayer initiatives on Revival Radio, interdenominational prayer and fasting events, and various annual gatherings.

Rev. Julian Asiimwe Kiriza, Mothers’ Union coordinator for Ankole Diocese, called on Christian mothers to remain united in prayer and to lead their families by example in purity and holiness.