Update – 5 April 2022
UPDATE on the Refugee Crisis in DR Congo and Uganda
Bishop Hannington- 5 April, 2022
Bishop Hannington writes: “I am glad to report that I received the money sent by the Patriarch’s Office. Bishop Gogo and I have been able to meet the refugees in Busunga.
I however went back the following day(Saturday) to give to those who missed. It is pathetic to see the condition these people are in.
We set up a committee and discussed the concerns, challenges, and interventions for the refugees and the host communities.
We are mainly concerned about those who are fearing to go to the Refugees Camp and opting to remain in the community where we don’t have food and sanitation facilities! Since we can’t force them, we are persuading them to go to willingly go to the designated camp.
Meanwhile please pray for us in the circle of losses and grief.
Bishop Gogo has lost his uncle. Archdeacon KATUSABE has lost his brother, bishop KAMARI has lost his mother“
Update – 1 March 2022
UPDATE on the Refugee Crisis in DR Congo and Uganda
Office of the Patriarch – March 1, 2022
While the world rightly focuses on the tragedy in Ukraine, please do not forget to pray for the continuing refugee crisis in DR Congo and Uganda. Sunday night, rebels murdered at least 18 people, mainly civilians, and drove hundreds more to flee across the border to Uganda. Many of these refugees are members of our 39 churches in Bishop Jacques Muhindo’s diocese.
Our Ugandan churches, leaders, and parishioners are actively ministering to the refugees, welcoming them into their churches and homes, and sharing their own scarce resources. Bishop Hannington Bahemuka has been able to secure some food, supplies, and medicines, but the needs are overwhelming. The General Secretary, Bishop Frances Gogo, wrote after his visit to the border, “I visited a Church which is hosting many refugees. It’s a pitiable situation. Children did not have food, so what we gave them to eat was not enough…. Please pray for us to help those needy people of God.”
UPDATE on Archdeacon Bazara’s three kidnapped children. In the confusing early days of this crisis, we reported that three sons were abducted from Archdeacon Bazara, but we have confirmed that it was two teenage daughters and an adult son. Miraculously, the son escaped and crossed into Uganda yesterday, but the daughters were taken as wives of one of the rebel leaders. Please pray for God’s protection and their speedy release.
The situation in DR Congo and Uganda is still uncertain. As soon as it is stable, we will send funds to help those in need. If you want to participate, click here: February 2022 Refugee Crisis in Uganda/Congo.
Update – 22 Feb 2022
We have recently learned that food shortages are a major issue. We are working hard to find a way to safely get funds the Bishop Gogo and Bishop Hannington.
URGENT PRAYERS ARE NEEDED FOR D.R. CONGO AND UGANDA
February 8, 2022 – Office of the Patriarch
On Wednesday night, February second, near the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where we have many churches, rebels attacked and killed men, women, and children, pillaged pharmacies and medical facilities, and ransacked and destroyed homes, businesses, and churches. Many families were separated as [thousands]* fled for safety across the border into Uganda. This morning the third wave of rebel attacks killed and displaced more people. Pray for our clergy and churches in this crisis. Pray for the safe return of Archdeacon Bazara Kilolo’s three sons who were taken by the rebels.
UPDATE
Tuesday, February 16, 2022 – Office of the Patriarch
A joint effort by the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda has reduced rebel attacks in the villages and towns in eastern DRC, but the rebels continue to kill civilians when they encounter them and destroy property—fresh attacks were reported Monday. As a result, refugees continue to cross into Uganda, where churches and individuals help as they are able. The UN refugee camps have received food for the refugees, but they are very crowded.
Some refugees have attempted to return to assess the damage to their homes and land or search for missing family members. But unfortunately, many of these have fallen victim to new attacks.
There is still no word about Archdeacon Kilolo’s kidnapped sons, so please keep them in prayer.
Bishop Hannington, the diocesan bishop where the refugees enter Uganda, and Bishop Gogo, General Secretary of the Ugandan House of Bishops, are monitoring and assessing the situation. Bishop Gogo will be in Bundibugyo this week.
Thank your interest in and prayers for the Congolese refugees and our churches laying down their lives to care for the hungry, thirsty “stranger” in Jesus’ name. (Matthew 25:25-36)
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