Church of Uganda, LIFE International Sign MOU to Strengthen Family Life

The Church of Uganda and LIFE International have entered into a partnership to promote family life and uphold the sanctity of human life.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at Namirembe Guest House in Kampala by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, and LIFE International Vice President Chris Rookus on February 28, 2025.

The signing was witnessed by Rev. Canon William Ongeng, the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda.

According to Rev. Simon Peter Ddembe Lya Yesu, Director of Mission and Outreach in the Church of Uganda, the collaboration aims to equip church leaders across Uganda with the skills and resources needed to support family life and protect human dignity.

He noted that through training programs, mentorship, and resource development, the partnership will integrate the message of the sanctity of human life into the Church of Uganda’s extensive network.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized the importance of the partnership in strengthening families and safeguarding life at all stages.

He reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to promoting a biblical understanding of life and family, adding that the collaboration with LIFE International will empower leaders to be life-givers in their communities while addressing both spiritual and practical needs.

He also described the initiative as a great addition to the Church’s ongoing call for an end to abortion.

Chris Rookus, Vice President of LIFE International, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that it aligns with the organization’s mission to uphold the value of every human life.

He said they are honored to work alongside the Church of Uganda to foster a culture that values and protects human life and that the training programs and mentorship will have a lasting impact in communities across Uganda.

According to Rev. Barbara Mugisha, Provincial Family Life Coordinator for the Church of Uganda, the partnership has already launched two key training programs in Busoga Diocese: “Journey of a Life-Giver,” which equips participants to be sources of spiritual, emotional, and physical life, and “Redemptive Conversations,” which provides compassionate responses to individuals facing crises.

The MOU outlines several collaborative initiatives, including regional training sessions in five regions of Uganda—Central, East, West, North, and South—each accommodating up to 50 participants.

It also focuses on equipping Diocesan Mission Coordinators, selected clergy, lay readers, Mothers’ Union (MU), Fathers’ Union (FU), and Christian Women Fellowship (CWF) leaders with biblical counseling and family support skills.

Additionally, the partnership seeks to develop sustainable life-giving ministries within the Church of Uganda’s network to address community needs such as post-abortion healing and biblical sexuality education.

The agreement will be in effect for three years, with annual reviews to assess progress and sustainability.

LIFE International, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a Christian organization dedicated to equipping leaders worldwide to champion the value and dignity of human life through training, mentorship, and support for life-affirming ministries.