Archbishop Kaziimba Urges Protection, Justice and Economic Empowerment for Widow

Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu of the Church of Uganda has issued a strong appeal for improved legal and social protections for widows, warning of ongoing discrimination, property grabbing, and economic hardship they face. His call comes just before International Widows Day, observed annually on June 23, which this year focuses on "Justice, Dignity and Economic Empowerment for Widows."

The Archbishop emphasized that widows and orphans remain among society's most vulnerable groups. He noted that many are unjustly denied access to property and inheritance rightfully belonging to them after their spouses' deaths. This dispossession, he stated, undermines the dignity of women who contributed to building families alongside their husbands.

Archbishop Kaziimba urged a collaborative effort involving families, cultural institutions, churches, and government agencies to ensure widows are treated with dignity, fairness, and compassion. He specifically called on judicial officers to expedite cases related to inheritance and property disputes. National celebrations for International Widows Day are scheduled in Lira City, organized by the Church of Uganda Mothers' Union in partnership with Redeem International, and will feature government officials and religious leaders.

“

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.