Church of Uganda’s Diocesan Household and Community Transformation (HCT) Officers have been advised to build good relations with the government and ensure the Church takes a center stage in the development agenda of the nation.
While opening a two days Diocesan HCT Officers workshop at Lweza Training and Conference Centre today morning, Dr Sam Mugasi, the Executive Director of National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS), implored the officers to identify key areas where they can partner with the government to transform communities.
“Government has several opportunities and projects where you can partner to achieve the development agenda of the Church. It calls for building good relations, accountability, transparency and proper planning.” Dr. Mugasi said.
He called for proper land valuable land use to establish projects aimed at strengthening the self-sustainability of their Dioceses.
“Church of Uganda is the biggest landlord in Uganda. You must plan very well to ensure this land is put into meaningful use. When you leave the land idle, it becomes susceptible to land grabbers. It also makes you miss out on government interventions especially in agriculture.” Dr. Mugasi advised.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu in a speech read for him by Mr. Balaam Muheebwa the Acting Provincial Secretary commended the Officers for their selfless efforts towards the development of the Church.
“I thank God for all of you and for the great assignment he has put on your shoulders. The HCT Directorate’s responsibility of Socio-economic Transformation of Households and communities is a huge role that requires 3 Hs; commitment of the Heart, transformation of the mind (Head) and working hard and diligently with your Hands to fulfill this mandate.” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He added, “We need to see the Church transforming thousands of households across the province, facilitated to realize and harness their potential for sustainable development. We need to promote and ensure sustainable utilization, development and effective management of natural resources for socio-economic development in the diocese.”
He charged them to develop policies on natural resources, food security, income, and disaster risk management and to demonstrate equity for all in their work by expressing the love of God towards humanity in their day-to-day activities.
According to Rev. Andrew Agaba, the Director of Household and Community Transformation, the workshop is aimed at orienting the participants on Church of Uganda Vision 2025, HCT strategic plan 2018-2023 and its focus area.
He also said that the workshop is to enhance the capacity of Diocesan HCT Officers/ Coordinators on resource mobilization and proposal writing and to develop mechanisms of strengthening coordination between HCT Directorate at the Provincial level and Diocesan level.
Ms. Irene Anena, the Program Officer for Gender and Social Justice said that she the workshop will enhance the participants’ skills on how to engage communities in the holistic social economic transformation of their communities and participate in the mobilization of men, women and youth as key agents in achieving the sustainable the development of their communities.” Ms. Anena said.
