The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has called for stronger legal and social protection for widows, warning that many continue to face discrimination, property grabbing and economic hardship after the death of their spouses.
His appeal comes ahead of International Widows Day, which will be marked on Tuesday under the theme “Justice, Dignity and Economic Empowerment for Widows,” with national celebrations scheduled at the Lango Diocesan Office Grounds in Lira City.
The Archbishop said widows and orphans remain among the most vulnerable groups in society, noting that many are denied access to property and inheritance that is rightfully theirs.
“The widows and orphans are, in many cases, neglected, forgotten and denied access to property rightfully belonging to them after the death of their husbands or fathers. This injustice continues to undermine the dignity of women who laboured alongside their spouses to build families, only to be dispossessed after their passing,” he said.
He urged families, cultural institutions, churches and government agencies to work together to ensure widows are treated with dignity, fairness and compassion, and also called on judicial officers to prioritise cases involving inheritance and property disputes.
The celebrations are expected to be officiated by Government Chief Whip Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, with Kabale District Woman MP Enid Origumisiriza delivering the keynote address, while the Bishop of Lango Diocese, Rt Rev Alfred Olwa, will preside over the service.
The event is being organised by the Church of Uganda Mothers’ Union in partnership with Redeem International, bringing together delegates from across dioceses in the province.
International Widows Day, observed annually on June 23, highlights the social, economic and legal challenges faced by widows worldwide.
