UCU Digital Institutional Repository(UCUDIR)

Welcome to the Uganda Christian University Digital Institutional Repositoy (UCUDIR). This is the University's official Institutional Repository. It aims to collect, preserve and showcase the intellectual output of staff and students of UCU. This growing collection of research includes peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, working papers, theses, and more.

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Communities in UCUDIR

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Now showing 1 - 8 of 8

Recent Submissions

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An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Retirement Health Policy in Soroti Diocese in the Province of the Church of Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-08-30) Simon Peter Omaido
This study aimed at comprehensively evaluating the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of the Retirement Health Policy in the Province of Church of Uganda, Soroti Diocese. The study was guided by the following objectives: analyzing the existing retirement health policies and benefits offered within Soroti Diocese, examining the effectiveness of the existing retirement health policies in meeting the healthcare needs of the retired clergy and lay personnel, identifying the specific barriers hindering the effectiveness of the retirement health policies and recommending evidence-based improvements for enhancing the effectiveness of the retirement health policy in Soroti Diocese. The study was conducted using a case study research design where qualitative research approach was used. Data was collected using documentary review checklists and interviews with the Retired Clergy in Soroti Diocese and the top management of Soroti Diocese totaling to 25 who were selected using purposive sampling method. Furthermore, data was analyzed qualitatively using thematic review. The study findings revealed significant gaps in the retirement health policy in Soroti Diocese, particularly in specialized and comprehensive care. Both retirees and top management highlighted the need for expanded benefits, clearer communication, and a more frequent and structured review process. Key challenges include inadequate coverage, bureaucratic delays, geographic limitations, policy complexity, and affordability issues. To address these, recommendations include broadening the policy, simplifying administrative processes, increasing financial support, and exploring partnerships with external healthcare providers to improve service quality and accessibility. In conclusion, the analysis of the retirement health policy in Soroti Diocese reveals critical gaps in coverage, particularly for specialized care and preventive services, and highlights the need for increased financial support, streamlined administrative processes, and better communication. Both retirees and management recognize these shortcomings and stress the importance of adopting best practices, including comprehensive insurance plans and partnerships with healthcare providers, to enhance the policy’s effectiveness and better meet retirees' diverse healthcare needs. Lastly, the study recommended the need for a comprehensive review and expansion of the retirement health policy to cover specialized treatments, streamline administrative processes, increase financial support and coverage limits, improve communication and support mechanisms, and explore partnerships with external healthcare providers to enhance service quality and accessibility for retirees.
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Examining the Relevance of Cell Group Ministry in Church Growth: A Case of St. Peter's Cathedral – Tororo (Bukedi Diocese)
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-08-30) Patrick Nicholas Barasa
The research examined the relevance of cell-group Ministry and how this has affected church growth in St. Peter’s Cathedral Tororo (Bukedi diocese). Informed by this background, the study identified the factors causing the decline in cell group ministry in the church, established attempts by the church to address this decline and established the effects that Cell Group ministry has on the church. A qualitative evaluative research design was adopted for this research. This was helpful in objectively understanding the perceptions about cell group ministry. The study population included respondents selected among the clergy, cell group leaders, laity and cell group members. Throughout the research, in-depth interviews and examination of records were used to collect data. Respondents’ responses were processed and analysed through the careful coding of interview replies. The study identified several factors that are causing the decline in cell group ministry in the Church such as Christian failure to balance cell group and work; the limited appreciation of the cell group as the foundational and core unit that links the family to the Church; and cell group leaders that have no training and mentorship on the detail of the ministry. Even then, several attempts have been taken by the church to address the decline, such as, provision of leadership by the present clergy, creating clear feedback channels to the members and the deliberate awareness through regular announcements. Finally, is that, Cell group ministry even in its current state has had positive impact on both the church and the general community as witnessed in church unity, increase in numbers, conversion of non-believers and growth in the prayer life and bible reading culture of members. The study recommendations include areas that should be addressed by: Uganda Christian University as a minister training institution; St. Peter’s Cathedral as a beneficiary of Cell Group Ministry; and Bukedi diocese as a mother body.
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Jean Marc-Éla and Common Property Resources: An African Christian Perspective on Eco-Theology
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-08-29) Joel Mpalanyi Musaasizi
This dissertation explores an African eco-theology that encourages African Christians to work to promote ecological balance in their surroundings in order to fairly distribute the resources that are available. Uganda is home to a variety of ecosystems, including lakes, rivers, wetlands, forests, and rangÉlands. She is a significant country for the preservation of biodiversity worldwide as well as in Africa. However, a variety of factors, such as the conversion of natural habitats to agricultural land and infrastructure development, are contributing to the loss of biodiversity and irreversible degradation of the environment. Christians, those belonging to the Church of the Province of Uganda, are looking for ways in which their faith may provide constructive answers and practical ways forward. Jean-Marc Éla stands as a relevant and insightful resource for Christians asking these kinds of questions. The attitude towards nature advocated by Éla is liberational in its thrust, but also rooted in the traditions of the African peoples. The imported Judeo-Christian rationalism with which we approach ecological issues, should be cleansed with “a wash in the pond of Siloam” which is the culture of the African people. Peasants across the country who are excluded from benefiting from common property resources are prisoners of a system developed elsewhere for the interest of others. Their situation challenges our faith as Africans and the church can no longer pass by as people are threatened by the clutches of famine whose very appearance strangles the whole of life. We must rethink our Christianity if we are to respond adequately to the situation. Environmental action and eco-mission follows the stewardship motive but Éla proposes a liberative and prophetic motive that rejects any system which produces empty granaries. The study recommends that: the Church of the Province of Uganda rethinks her approach to ecological mission with a view to adopting Jean-marc Éla’s framework in environmental protection activity; that the COU environmental office intentionally works at developing robust eco-theological frameworks that recognize the need for the African Christian to write an alternative history to the past; and, that the Provincial environmental office and the Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology collaborate to establish a Ugandan platform that engages with important apologetic issues, holds periodic conversations on beneficial eco-theology work, and constructively profiles through case studies the actions, experiences, and motivations of Christians involved in Ugandan nature conservation and eco-mission projects.
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The Way of Love: An Exegesis of 1 Corinthians 13:4 -7 and Its Relevance to Church Ministry
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-08) Sandra Musenero
This study explores the “way of love" and its relevance to Church Ministry portrayed in 1 Cor 13:4-7. This love is without limitation in its mode of practice towards all, it extends sweetness to all people, does not subscribe to envy, pride and self-importance but rather cares about the wellbeing of others, it fails to exasperate into pique partly because of patience and rejoices over truth. By so doing it is always looking out for the good in others just as Christ did on the cross. The objectives that guided the study delved into the historical, literal and exegetical analysis, of Paul’s letter while delving into their relevance to the Church. The study employed a qualitative research design in conjunction with a variety of biblical studies techniques which enabled evaluation of the importance of the historical and cultural settings that inspired the letter's composition. The historical critical approach was used to collect and analyse data so that the researcher could fully comprehend the text. The textual criticism approach enabled the researcher to contrast and modify the many sources of 1 Corinthians. The study establishes one major cardinal outcome; that love solves all things and differences and should be emulated as presented in 1 Cor 13:4-7 through extending patience, kindness, desist from envy, boasting, arrogance, rudeness, insistence in one’s own way, resenting others, rejoice with the truth and be able to bear all things, believe all things, hope all things and endure all things.
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A Correlation Between Divine Law and Secular Law: A Case of Kumi Diocese
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-08-27) Phillip Mugume
This dissertation explores the intricate relationship between divine law and secular law within the context of the Church of the Province of Uganda, with a specific focus on the Kumi Diocese succession dispute. Over the last decade, the Church of the Province of Uganda has faced a rising number of legal challenges, particularly in relation to the election and succession of bishops. This trend has raised concerns about the possible encroachment of secular legal principles into church governance, leading to significant divisions within various dioceses. The research traces the historical evolution of the Church of the Province of Uganda’s governance, beginning with the establishment of the first African Synod in 1914, through to the current structure of the Church with 39 diocesan bishops. The dissertation investigates the causes of recent lawsuits, examining whether these conflicts stem from changes in church laws, shifts in leadership practices, or misunderstandings between secular law and divine legal frameworks. The study adopts a constructivist research design, utilizing a literary analysis of books, journals, statutory laws, and Canonical laws. It also analyses key case laws, particularly the Kumi Diocese succession case, to understand the legal and theological implications of these disputes. The findings aim to clarify the relationship between secular law and divine law, propose best practices for their harmonious coexistence, and offer recommendations to church leaders for effectively managing legal conflicts. This research is intended to enhance the understanding of legal frameworks within the Church of the Province of Uganda and provide a foundation for further academic inquiry into the intersection of secular and divine law in church governance.
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Suffering as a Form of Sanctification Among the Christians of the Diocese of Lango
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-08-13) Jaspher Robinson Oluge
This study aimed at discovering the role of suffering in the sanctification of the Christians of the Diocese of Lango. This was in response to the question that was being asked by many Christians in this Diocese namely why should Christians suffer when Jesus Christ has already suffered on their behalf on the cross? The study was qualitative, and the researcher used Integrative Theological Methodology. Following the three specific objectives, the researcher discussed the meaning of suffering and sanctification from the Christian perspective, established the relationship between suffering and sanctification, and finally, developed a theology of suffering from the African point of view and exhibited its relevance to the Christians of the Diocese of Lango. The study revealed that suffering is majorly caused by evil. The study further revealed that the key roles suffering plays in the sanctification of a Christian are: purification, formation of virtues, deterrence of sin, breaking of idols and causing dependence on God, creating motivation for change, causing repentance, enhancing of learning, and finally, ushering of him/ her to eternity (ultimate sanctification). A theology of suffering from the African point of view underscored the fact that although God reigns over suffering and uses it for the sanctification of His people, He does not approve of the suffering of His people, and wants it eradicated. These findings help the Christians of the Diocese of Lango understand the role of suffering in their sanctification and know how to appropriately respond to it.
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The Relevance of John Wesley’s Economic Principles for the Advancement of Mission in the Diocese of Northwest Ankole -Province of the Church of Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-08-26) Felex Bainomugisha
This study investigated how John Wesley’s economic ideas can be applied to the work of laying a strong foundation for sustainable holistic transformation in the Diocese of Northwest Ankole. The objectives of the study were; to evaluate the socio-economic context of mission in the Diocese of Northwest Ankole, to provide an understanding and application of John Wesley’s economic Philosophy in the Diocese of Northwest Ankole, and to recommend economic values that can be applied by adopting Wesley’s economic ideas with the Diocese of Northwest Ankole mission development plans. A qualitative study approach was adopted. The data collection was carried out using the documentary method. Findings revealed that the Diocese of Northwest Ankole, established in 2017 from the Greater Ankole Diocese, faces a range of socio-economic challenges including poverty, limited education and healthcare access, and economic instability, but it aims to address these issues through John Wesley's principles of ethical stewardship and community development to enhance both spiritual and material well-being. Findings also indicate that John Wesley’s economic philosophy, which emphasizes ethical wealth accumulation ("Gain all you can"), prudent resource management ("Save all you can"), and generous giving ("Give all you can"), offers a framework for addressing the socio-economic challenges in the Diocese of Northwest Ankole, promoting sustainable development and community support while navigating cultural and economic barriers. Findings also revealed that John Wesley's economic principles offer the Diocese of Northwest Ankole a comprehensive framework for enhancing mission development through ethical entrepreneurship, financial stewardship, generosity, economic justice, community-based initiatives, sustainable development, and education. In conclusion, The Diocese of Northwest Ankole's mission, shaped by significant socio-economic challenges, aims to address both spiritual and material needs through sustainable development and healthcare, while applying John Wesley's economic principles to foster ethical entrepreneurship, financial stewardship, and community well-being. The study recommends that the Diocese should invest in modern agricultural training and infrastructure improvements to boost local productivity and reduce poverty. The study also recommends that the Diocese should prioritize educational programs that teach ethical wealth accumulation and prudent resource management. In addition, the Diocese of Northwest Ankole should establish vocational training centers and financial literacy programs to empower individuals and promote ethical entrepreneurship.
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The Origin, Nature, and Purpose of Scripture: An Exegetical Study of 2 Timothy 3:16–17
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-08-26) Jacques Bihozagara
This dissertation examines the authority and sufficiency of Scripture through a detailed exegetical study of 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The research seeks to answer critical questions regarding the source, nature, role, and purpose of Scripture within the context of Christian theology. By employing the commentary method, this study offers a verse-by-verse analysis, integrating both historical and literal contexts. Special attention is given to the Greek adjective “Πᾶσα,” which is pivotal in understanding the divine origin and authority of Scripture. Through a comprehensive examination of secondary sources and a library-based approach, this research synthesizes doctrinal insights with practical applications, demonstrating the timeless relevance of Scripture. The findings underscore the foundational role of Scripture in guiding the beliefs and practices of the Christian community, affirming its inspiration, inerrancy, and authority. The dissertation concludes with a summary of key issues identified in the exegetical study and explores their implications for contemporary Christian thought and practice.
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An Analysis of the Theology of Neo-Prophetic Pentecostalism in the Church of the Province of Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-09-03) Martin Ndawula
This research paper delves into the theology of Neo-Prophetic Pentecostalism within the Church of the Province of Uganda (CoU). The study explores how this new wave of African Pentecostalism has influenced traditional Anglican practices, leading to significant theological and practical changes within the CoU. The study begins by examining the historical background and evolution of Pentecostalism globally, with a specific focus on its African context. It then narrows down to Neo-Prophetic Pentecostalism, highlighting its unique characteristics, such as the prophetic ministry, the "Man of God" syndrome, and the attribution of personal and communal challenges to spiritual forces. The paper discusses the challenges posed by Neo-Prophetic Pentecostalism to the Anglican Church, particularly in terms of doctrinal purity, worship style, and church governance. It also considers the responses of the CoU to these challenges, analyzing both the positive and negative impacts of adopting Neo-Prophetic practices. The study further investigates the theological implications of Neo-Prophetic Pentecostalism, questioning its compatibility with traditional Anglican doctrine and the potential for syncretism with African Traditional Religions. To achieve its objectives, the research employs both theoretical and empirical methods, including literature review, interviews with clergy and laity, and observations of church services. The findings reveal a complex interaction between Neo-Prophetic Pentecostalism and Anglicanism, where the former has both revitalized and disrupted the latter. The paper concludes by offering suggestions for a balanced theological response that maintains the core values of Anglicanism while engaging with the dynamic spirituality of Neo-Prophetic Pentecostalism.
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A Study of the Effectiveness of the Church’s Current Measures to Curb Drug and Substance Abuse Among the Youths: A Case Study of Greater Mbarara Archdeaconry, Diocese of Ankole of the Church of Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-08-23) Erinest Mpagi
This was a study of the Effectiveness of the Church’s Current Measures to curb Drug and Substance Abuse among the Youths: A Case study of Greater Mbarara Archdeaconry, Ankole Diocese of the Church of Uganda. The current measures include: pastoral counseling, support groups, educational programs, workshops, and youth engagement activities. These initiatives, grounded in the Biblical teachings of love, wisdom, and guidance, provide emotional support, raise awareness, and offer healthy alternatives to drug and substance abuse. To further enhance the Church's response to substance and drug abuse, additional strategies are recommended: enhanced community collaboration based on unity (1 Corinthians 12:12-14), intensive rehabilitation programs following Jesus' healing ministry (Matthew 9:35), family and parental support emphasizing the foundational role of family (Ephesians 6:1-4), vocational training and employment opportunities guided by meaningful work (2 Thessalonians 3:10), and continued spiritual formation and discipleship rooted in strong spiritual disciplines (Romans 12:2). Incorporating these additional strategies, rooted in theological principles, can significantly enhance the Church's efforts to curb drug and substance abuse in the region.