Introduction

This report summarises the discussions held in Uganda, specifically in Jinja and Sekiwunga (Kampala), as part of a broader engagement with local church leaders, community members, and stakeholders. The purpose of these gatherings was to explore the challenges faced by communities in Uganda and the role of the church in responding to crises. Key themes that emerged from the discussions include economic struggles, family and relational conflicts, cultural and traditional beliefs, and emotional and psychological struggles.

It is important to note that this report does not reflect the views of the entire church in Uganda but instead captures the experiences and reflections of the individuals we met in Jinja and Sekiwunga. It serves as a key starting point for further discussions, research, and reflection on how the church can respond to the ongoing crises facing communities.

Definitions of ‘Resilience’ and ‘Crisis’

Throughout our meetings in Jinja and Sekiwunga, participants offered definitions of ‘resilience’ and ‘crisis’ that reflect their lived experiences and community challenges.

• Resilience: Resilience was defined as the capacity to trust in God’s purpose and provision through difficult times. It encompasses forgiveness, self-sacrifice, and service to others, even in the face of adversity. Resilience is expressed through perseverance, faith, and mentorship, and it means remaining a beacon of hope and light to others despite personal struggles.
• Crisis: A crisis is understood as an overwhelming situation that disrupts individuals and families, ranging from sickness and poverty to unemployment and domestic violence. In Sekiwunga and Jinja, crises are often linked to strained communication, traditional beliefs, witchcraft, and the marginalisation of women. These factors exacerbate emotional and relational stress within the community.

Themes Discussed

During our meetings, participants were divided into groups to discuss four key themes. The themes were slightly re-titled to reflect the local context while maintaining their original essence. Participants explored the role of the church in responding to these themes, offering practical steps for the church in Uganda and local church communities to take.

1. Economic Struggles and Social Support

• Key Discussion Points: The discussions in Jinja and Sekiwunga revealed that economic struggles, including unemployment and poverty, are significant issues. Participants called for the church to play a leading role in addressing these challenges through practical, skill-based initiatives. The church was seen as a catalyst for economic empowerment by providing training in income-generating activities, such as handicrafts, soap making, and small-scale businesses.
• Key Recommendations:
  • Establish church-led skill-building workshops to equip community members with vocational skills.
  • Create mentorship programmes that connect experienced individuals with those seeking economic stability.
  • Offer spiritual and emotional support through prayer and counselling for those struggling with financial challenges.

2. Family and Relational Conflicts

• Key Discussion Points: Family breakdowns, particularly those involving domestic violence and strained marriages, were raised as significant concerns. Participants stressed that the church should serve as a place of refuge for families experiencing conflict. The church’s role in providing conflict resolution training, counselling, and fostering better communication within families was highlighted.
• Key Recommendations:
  • Create regular counselling sessions and prayer meetings aimed at addressing family conflicts and promoting unity.
  • Encourage family prayer, promoting spiritual and emotional bonding within households.
  • Establish workshops on conflict resolution and communication skills to help families navigate disputes peacefully.

3. Cultural and Traditional Beliefs

• Key Discussion Points: Cultural and traditional beliefs, including practices related to witchcraft and rituals, remain deeply ingrained in many communities. Participants identified these beliefs as obstacles to progress, particularly when they conflict with Christian teachings. The church was urged to provide education on biblical principles while offering practical alternatives to harmful traditions, such as healthcare and education, to reduce the community’s reliance on witchcraft and traditional healers.
• Key Recommendations:
  • Hold regular teaching sessions on Christian beliefs that challenge harmful cultural practices.
  • Develop community initiatives, such as healthcare services and schools, to provide alternatives to traditional practices.
  • Offer acts of charity and service to demonstrate God’s care for both the spiritual and physical needs of the community.

4. Emotional and Psychological Struggles

• Key Discussion Points: Emotional and psychological struggles, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, were seen as major crises affecting individuals in both Jinja and Sekiwunga. These struggles are often linked to financial difficulties, family conflicts, and cultural pressures. The church’s role in offering spiritual and emotional support through prayer, counselling, and encouragement was seen as critical.

• Key Recommendations:
  • Organise prayer meetings and intercessory sessions for those experiencing emotional and psychological distress.
  • Use media platforms such as radio and television to reach those who may not attend church, offering counselling and spiritual support.
  • Conduct door-to-door evangelism and counselling to identify individuals in need of emotional support and offer assistance.

Key Takeaways for Further Reflection

Several key takeaways emerged from the discussions held in Jinja and Sekiwunga, which provide crucial points for stakeholders, church leaders, and supporters to consider:

1. The Church as a Dual Actor: The church is expected to provide both spiritual and practical support. This includes not only prayer and evangelism but also practical initiatives that address economic empowerment, family reconciliation, and emotional healing. The church must balance its spiritual mission with the pressing need for practical solutions in these communities.
2. Relational Breakdown: Family conflicts, exacerbated by poverty and emotional distress, are prevalent in both regions. The church must actively engage in supporting families through counselling, prayer, and teaching conflict resolution skills to prevent further relational breakdowns.
3. Cultural Challenges: The ongoing tension between traditional cultural practices and Christian beliefs remains a significant challenge. The church must navigate these tensions carefully, offering alternatives through education, healthcare, and acts of service while challenging harmful traditions in a respectful and effective manner.
4. Mental and Emotional Support: There is a strong need for the church to provide emotional and psychological support. This can be done through prayer, counselling, and outreach. Additionally, the church must equip itself to address mental health challenges by partnering with professionals and utilising media to reach those in need.
5. Leadership Engagement: A recurring concern was the disconnect between church leadership and congregants’ lived experiences. Church leaders need to be more engaged with the everyday challenges faced by their members to provide relevant and effective support.

Reflections from Adriaan and Adam

Following the discussions, Adriaan and Adam reflected on the key lessons learned during the meetings in Jinja and Sekiwunga:

• Engagement Challenges: In both Jinja and Sekiwunga, there were logistical challenges, including delayed starts and inconsistent attendance. However, the inclusion of diverse voices—particularly women and non-leaders—provided a rich understanding of the personal and communal crises faced by the participants.
• Crisis as Personal and Emotional: Crises in these regions are deeply personal and emotional. While external events like natural disasters may pass, personal crises such as domestic violence, poverty, and emotional struggles persist. The church’s role in addressing these intimate crises must be prioritised alongside broader societal issues.
• Disconnect Between Leaders and Congregants: One of the most striking reflections was the apparent disconnect between church leaders and their congregants. In some cases, pastors were hearing for the first time about the crises faced by members of their own congregations, raising questions about the effectiveness of church leadership in addressing these challenges.
• The Church’s Response: Traditional methods of prayer and evangelism, while valuable, may not be sufficient in addressing the complex and multifaceted crises facing these communities. There is a need for the church to explore new approaches, including counselling, emotional support, and practical solutions such as economic empowerment initiatives.

Questions Raised by Participants for Further Reflection

At the conclusion of the gathering in Sekiwunga, participants were asked to raise questions for further reflection. These questions reflect the ongoing concerns within the community and provide insight into areas that require further exploration:

1. How can we establish and maintain more churches to address both spiritual and practical needs in our communities?
2. What can be done to offer comfort and support to those in the most challenging situations, particularly those we preach to?
3. How can we effectively raise resources to fund the building and development of churches and other community projects?
4. How can we ensure that the message of God reaches more people, especially those in the most remote or neglected areas?

Conclusion

This comprehensive report encapsulates the discussions held in Jinja and Sekiwunga, reflecting the voices of the local communities and their experiences with crises and resilience. While the report does not reflect the views of the entire church in Uganda, it offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by these specific communities. The church in Uganda plays a critical role in addressing economic struggles, family conflicts, cultural tensions, and emotional struggles, but there is a clear need for deeper engagement and innovative approaches.

Moving forward, this report serves as a foundation for further discussions, research, and reflection among stakeholders, church leaders, and supporters. By building on the insights gathered here, the church can better respond to the ongoing crises in Uganda and support the resilience of its people.