UGANDA ORTHODOX CHURCH MOTHERS UNION
The Union of Orthodox Church Mothers in Uganda is a Faith Based Organization which was formed in 2003 with a belief in God’s plan and design of a family where Mothers are very instrumental in strengthening and sustenance of the family, and posses God’s given gifts and potential to contribute positively to the wellbeing and development of the Church, the society; and the Nation as a whole.
To enable Mothers play this important role and also based on lessons learnt from other Christian Women Organizations in Uganda, the UOCMU started its formal operations and a constitution which ushered into an elected NEC charged with the duty of providing guidance and overseeing the work of the Secretariat which was established at the Orthodox Church headquarters in Namugoona to address issues of spiritual and socio-economic development of women, youth and children in the church and society. The union is semi –autonomous but shares in the legal mandate of the Orthodox Church.
Although the organization started small, over the years its operations have been expanding. Right now, the organization operates in 60 Orthodox Parishes/ Communities located in 36 districts Country wide. The Union has successfully implemented two three-year strategic plans 2006/2008 and 2009/2011 respectively. The union is currently implementing it strategic plan March 2012-Feb, 2015
Over the years, UOCMU has mobilized, empowered and equipped mothers at different levels of its structure with knowledge and skills in different fields. This has been through strategies such as advocacy, linking, networking and collaboration. In the recent past, the Union has zeroed down on the use of People Owned Processes alongside other strategies.
Despite these efforts, the target audience has not been reached in some areas. As well, cases of high illiteracy, inadequate food and income security, Gender Based Violence among others keep affecting the communities UOCMU works with. Therefore, this strategic plan seeks to consolidate the past Union’s efforts and expand her service delivery hence contributing to improvement of the Position of Women in both the Church and the Community.
Visit their website for detailed information UOCMU