Church of Uganda will tomorrow commemorate International Widows Day under the theme: “Justice, Dignity and Economic Empowerment for Widows” (Isaiah 1:17) . The Provincial celebrations will be held at Lango Diocesan Office Grounds in Lira City, starting at 8:00 a.m.

Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Government Chief Whip will be the Chief Guest, while Hon. Enid Origumisiriza, the Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament will deliver the keynote address. Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, the Bishop of Lango Diocese is the Main Celebrant.

Speaking in a media interview this morning, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, called for renewed national attention to the plight of widows and urged all stakeholders including families, cultural institutions, the Church, and government agencies to uphold their rights and dignity.

“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,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.

He added, “We are reaffirming our commitment to promoting justice, restoring dignity, and advancing the economic empowerment of widows. I call upon all churches, families, cultural institutions, and government agencies to stand with widows and ensure they are treated with dignity, compassion, and fairness,” he added.

The Archbishop further urged judicial officers to give special attention to cases involving widows, emphasizing the need for timely and fair justice where property and inheritance rights are violated.

This year’s celebrations are organized by Church of Uganda Mothers’ Union in partnership with Redeem International. The Provincial Mothers’ Union President, Mrs. Grace Murengezi, will lead a delegation of Mothers’ Union leaders from across the Province.