The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has urged the nation to strongly protect and uphold the dignity of widows.
He made the call on Monday during the commemoration of International Widows Day at the Archbishop’s Palace Gardens in Namirembe.
Leading the service as the main celebrant, Archbishop Kaziimba used the occasion to challenge families and communities to stop exploiting widows and instead provide them with the justice, respect, and care they deserve.
Quoting Exodus 22:22-24, the Archbishop emphasized God's fierce defense of widows:
"You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you do, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry. My wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword. Your wives will become widows, and your children fatherless. This scripture is so powerful," Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He added, "I want to take this moment to call upon men and all family members of the deceased, please do not take advantage of widows. Do not grab their property. Do not deny them justice. When a widow cries to God, He hears, and His response is not something to take lightly. Let us protect widows. Let us care for them. Let us honour God's Word."
During the event, Archbishop Kaziimba also officially launched the Ruth Ministry, a new initiative under the Church of Uganda that aims to provide spiritual support, empowerment, and mentorship to widows across the country.
As part of the initiative, the ministry is to work to promote awareness of the challenges widows and widowers face, advocate for stronger legal protections, and remind widows that they are not alone.
"Through spiritual support, empowerment, and mentorship, Ruth Ministry will stand with widows to help them heal, grow, and thrive, reminding them that they are not alone, and that God is always with them," he said.
Aggrey Kibenge, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, who spoke as guest of honour highlighted the government's role in supporting vulnerable populations.
"Our ministry has the mandate to develop and implement programs that support people throughout their entire life cycle, from childhood to old age. We are responsible for the vulnerable, the disadvantaged, and for ensuring social and economic inclusion. We are expected to make sure that no one is left behind." Kibenge said.
Also addressing the gathering was Mrs. Betty Kisitu , Director of Mukono Parents High School, who spoke passionately on the theme "Our Role as Widows in Grief, Growth, and Grace."
She reminded attendees that although widows endure deep pain, they have a personal journey of healing and purpose.
"One would think that being a widow means you should not dress well, that you have to wear cheap clothes. Sometimes, someone even passes close to you just to feel the texture of your clothes. These are some of the very challenging things we face," she said.
Mrs. Kisitu encouraged widows to walk with dignity, embrace healing, and live out the grace of God even in loss.
The event brought together church leaders, government representatives, educators, and widows from across the country to reflect, support one another, and commit to creating a more just and compassionate society.