The Union of Orthodox Church Mothers in Uganda, during their recently concluded 22nd Annual General Meeting, held from 4th to 7th March 2025 at St. Daniel Comboni Retreat Center in Namugongo, confirmed the new members of the National Executive Committee Board, with the youth in consideration.
Formerly serving as an interim committee for close to 18 months, members from the parishes of the three (3) Dioceses of the Uganda Orthodox Church unanimously voted and confirmed a permanent committee to spearhead the activities of the Union of the Mothers.
The committee consists of some founding members who were the vision bearers of the union driven by a main objective of “building capacities of women for change” and other new members.
New Orthodox Mothers National Executive Committee Members
- Papadiah Nanteza Proscovia Matovu – Chairperson
- Ms. Kyarisiima Constance – Vice Chairperson
- Mrs. Elizabeth Kisiigha – Treasurer
- Ms. Namwembe Jane Despina – Partnerships and Networks.
- Ms. Lutundhe Rose – Secretary
- Mrs. Nantale Jane – Member
- Ms. Laker Pamela – Member
- Papadiah Nalyazi Evangelia Koolya – Member
The new 8-member team of the National Executive Committee was commissioned by the Secretary General of the Holy Metropolis of Kampala, Mr. Paul Dhabunansi who was the chief guest at the closing ceremony, and wished them success ahead of their tasks.
Youth engagement in the Orthodox Mothers National Executive Committee
Guided by the increasing number of youth as portrayed in the recently concluded national census 2024, the Executive Committee found it prudent to have youth representation in the activities of the union by considering having representatives on the NEC.
They considered youth adoption from each Diocese in order to mentor them in various leadership skills, and capacity building among others. The adoption process will be done after clear scrutiny from the respective dioceses; The Holy Metropolis of Kampala, The Holy Diocese of Jinja and Eastern Uagnda and The Holy Diocese Gulu and Northern Uganda.
Ms. Namwembe Jane Despina, in charge of Partnerships and Networks in the union, told the youth that, it was because of mentorship she attained from the founding members of the union that she is now in this responsibility.
“Leverage the opportunities made available by the church for the growth and development of your social-economic and spiritual life” Ms. Namwembe stressed, further urging them to continue pursuing education if opportunities are made available to them.
Motivating them even further, Mrs. Elizabeth Kisiigha the new Treasurer of the union said, “It begins with you”, imparting a mindset with conviction that they can be anything they want to be in life.
She noted that although the grace of God guides us but also our own efforts determine the manifestation of the grace of God upon us.
The youth were also urged to make efforts to live the Holy and Spiritual life expected of Orthodox Christians so that they could be living examples in their communities.