North Kigezi Diocese is in the Southwest of Uganda and borders DR Congo.

CMS Ireland’s connections with the area began with the integration between the Society and Mid-Africa Ministry. Whilst the predominant link is with North Kigezi Diocese some of our work, over the years, has spanned more than just the current area of North Kigezi.

In recent years CMS Ireland has supported the building of a new ward at Kisiizi Hospital and work with orphans and disabled children.

As a result of the AIDS pandemic, there are large numbers of orphans, with many families being cared for by the oldest sibling, often as young as 12. Providing income generation opportunities, though projects like chilli growing, is helping many of these families provide for themselves.

There is very little support for disabled children, largely because of erroneous beliefs and a lack of adequate education – the usual point of view being that God is punishing the family of a disabled child.

In this situation the local church has embraced the opportunity to challenge prejudice and model the love of Christ.

This work was previously coordinated by ex-Mission Partner Pat Gilmer and supported by a number of parishes in Ireland. We look forward to developing these links in the future.