Mothers' Union Documents Its Experiences, Faith and Contributions, Marking 150 Years of the Global Movement
Every institution has a heart, and for the Mothers' Union in Uganda, that heart is its members. It was this simple truth, more than any single event or milestone, that shaped the new book launched at Mengo Senior School during celebrations marking 150 years of the Mothers' Union.
The book, titled The Heart of Mothers' Union in Uganda, documents the experiences, faith and contributions of mothers. It was unveiled before a gathering of government officials, Church leaders, Mothers' Union representatives and delegates from the Church of Uganda's 13 dioceses.
Published by the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC), the book provides a platform for documenting and preserving the experiences and contributions of mothers and the organization's work in Uganda. It captures stories and reflections on faith, family life, community development and the role of mothers in nurturing future generations.
In her written speech read to the celebrants, the author Vivian Kityo explained that the book was intended to document the work of mothers and preserve their contributions for future generations.
"The heart of Mothers' Union in Uganda is the members and their contributions to the organization," she said. "Without the members, I cannot see the organization."
UPPC's role in publishing the book highlights its contribution to providing professional publishing services that enable individuals and institutions to document and share knowledge, experiences and stories of national and cultural significance. Through the publication, the experiences of Mothers' Union members have been brought together in a lasting record accessible to current and future generations.
The book launch itself marked 150 years of the Mothers' Union globally, providing a broader context for the publication and the organization's long-standing contribution to families and communities.
Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, represented the President as Chief Guest and delivered a message calling on the Mothers' Union to strengthen its contribution to household wealth creation and socio-economic transformation.
In his message, the President commended the organization's role in guiding families, describing it as a moral compass for society.
"Your organization has acted as a moral compass for society, by anchoring households on biblical values," he said, urging members to combine spiritual growth with practical efforts to improve household incomes through agriculture, industry, services and ICT.
The president also noted that financially stable women contribute directly to improved education, nutrition, health and welfare within their households.
Rt. Rev. Jackson Fendrick Baalwa, the Assistant Bishop of Kampala Diocese, representing Archbishop Dr. Steven Kazimba Mugalu, commended the Mothers' Union for equipping women with livelihood skills that support their families.
"We would want, together, to build stronger families, because a stronger family makes a stronger nation," he said.
The celebrations also turned attention to the boy child, with leaders calling for greater investment in boys' education, mentorship and welfare.
Beyond the speeches and hymns at the celebrations, an exhibition brought the day to life. Members from the Church of Uganda's 13 dioceses displayed agricultural produce, handmade crafts and other products. It was a colourful showcase, offering a glimpse into the skills and enterprise that members of the union engage in to sustain their households and communities.