Master of Arts in Theology

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11951/796

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DISCIPLESHIP AND CHRISTIAN’S SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN THE DIOCESE OF KIGEZI: A CASE OF ST. MARK KIKUNGIRI ARCHDEACONRY
(UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY, 2025-10-01) ATWONGYEIRWE JUDITH
Biblical studies, research from the field and literature reviews of the area of study reveal that Christian discipleship is of paramount importance to Christians’ spiritual growth and lead to a wholistic growth of every church. Both the priest and confessing Christians have an obligation to do this ministry of Christian discipleship. In doing so, all Christians, young and old are nurtured to nurture the new converts to faith. Although there were discipleship programs which included catechism classes, fellowships, Mother’s and Father’s union, youth groups, among others, they faced several challenges which included in appropriate discipleship strategies, inadequate theological trainings, inadequate time and finances, nonexistence curriculum, misconduct in church leaders and lack of commitment to intentional discipleship. In spite of these challenges, Christian discipleship has a modest contribution to the growth of the church in that it sustains church life, leads to improved stewardship, leads to a person’s greater spiritual transformation, development of a person’s spiritual disciplines like bible study, scripture memorization, production of more evangelists and volunteers to support church ministry, fighting complacency and improves accountability among brethren. Data was collected using interviews and questionnaires and observation. It was then analyzed and interpreted for use. Therefore, it is recommended and suggested that Christian discipleship be made a priority in all churches and there must be intentionality in Christian nurture. Fellowship, follow up and mentorship programs of all age groups and in different fields of Christian ministry should be strategically planned for holistic development of both individual and church growth.
THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH TOWARDS MITIGATING POVERTY AMONG CHRISTIANS LIVING IN THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF MARID
(UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY, 2025-10-01) ALEX FRAZER PAUL
This research paper investigated the role of the Church in mitigating poverty among Christians in the Episcopal Diocese of Maridi, South Sudan. Recognizing the Church as a critical social institution in post-conflict communities, the research examined how Church Programs and Initiatives, Experiences and Perceptions of Poverty, and Faith-Based Beliefs and Recommendations interact in shaping poverty alleviation efforts. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed in this research, with a quantitative approach being used. Structured questionnaires were given to 451 respondents selected from church congregations across the diocese. IBM SPSS version 27 was used for data analysis, with both descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation used to assess relationships between key variables. The results revealed statistically significant positive correlations among all three core variables. A reasonable affirmative correlation was found between Experiences and Perceptions of Poverty and Church Programs and Initiatives (r = .437, p < .01), suggesting that persons experiencing advanced intensities of poverty remained more likely to report awareness of or engagement with church-based interventions such as food aid, vocational training, or cooperative support. A weaker but still significant correlation was observed between Experiences of Poverty and Faith-Based Beliefs and Recommendations (r = .269, p < .01), indicating that those facing economic hardship were somewhat more inclined to support expanded church involvement in poverty alleviation. The strongest correlation emerged between Church Programs and Initiatives and Faith-Based Beliefs and Recommendations (r = .480, p < .01), demonstrating that respondents who positively viewed church interventions were also more likely to advocate for increased church engagement in economic empowerment and social support. The study concludes that while the Church in Maridi Diocese plays a pivotal role in supporting the poor through practical programs, its impact is reinforced by the faith-driven expectations of its members. Strengthening church-community partnerships, expanding program coverage, and integrating spiritual guidance with economic initiatives could significantly enhance poverty alleviation efforts. Future research is recommended to explore causality, longitudinal outcomes, and the integration of church-led interventions into broader national development strategies.
THE IMPLICATION OF APPLYING BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO POVERTY REDUCTION IN THE DIOCESE OF MUYINGA THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF BURUNDI
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-09-24) NKEZABAHIZI Eysee
The study focused on addressing poverty within the Diocese of Muyinga, Burundi, through a holistic, biblically grounded approach that integrates both spiritual and economic dimensions. It emphasized that as Christians, we must base our support on the Word of God, viewing ourselves as the light and salt of the world in advancing economic development and reducing poverty. This holistic approach aligns with God's transformative story, which should guide the physical and spiritual growth of the Church. According to Psalm 115:8, we become like what we worship, so if we truly reflect God's nature, our actions should mirror His principles (compare with 2 Corinthians 3:18). The purpose of this research was to study the level of poverty by considering the strategies used for poverty alleviation, also to find out the biblical principles relevant to poverty alleviation in the context of Burundi. Utilizing a qualitative research design and data collection through interviews, the study revealed that in the Diocese of Muyinga particularly in Burundi, strategies such as training on sources of income, community involvement in projects and utilization of the inspired scriptures as could significantly contribute to poverty reduction. The study underscored that the Anglican Church of Burundi has the potential play-part on poverty alleviation, actively attracting the public by implementing both biblical and non-biblical economic principles. The result of the empirical measurement have substantive results and actionable suggestions that can hold true relevance to policy makers and practitioners and other parties interested in employing effective poverty reduction solutions in the region.
Evaluating the Impact of Discipleship on Faith Retention in the Church of Uganda Diocese of East Ruwenzori
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-09-05) Ajuna Jesse
This study examines the impact of discipleship on faith retention within the Church of Uganda, focusing specifically on the Diocese of East Ruwenzori. Discipleship which is understood as the intentional process of mentoring and guiding believers toward spiritual maturity plays a crucial role in sustaining long-term commitment to the Christian faith. Faith retention, in this context, refers to the continuous nurturing and deepening of individuals’ adherence to the core beliefs and practices of their faith tradition over time. The Diocese faces significant challenges, including faith abandonment, stagnation in spiritual growth, and declining engagement among longstanding members. This research evaluates existing discipleship practices, identifies key hurdles, and explores opportunities for improvement. It emphasizes the influence of Jesus Christ’s teachings and the role of the church community in promoting spiritual formation through a Christocentric model of discipleship. Data collected indicate that discipleship positively influences faith retention. However, several barriers such as lack of culturally relevant teaching materials, inadequate follow-up for new believers, limited training for discipleship leaders, and the neglect of practical tools hinder its effectiveness. The study offers recommendations like the appointing dedicated focal persons for discipleship programs, establish home cells and zonal fellowships, among others that aim to strengthen the Diocese’s discipleship framework, foster deeper spiritual growth, and also improve faith retention. Ultimately, the study contributes meaningful insights to the broader academic and ecclesial dialogue on discipleship within the Church of Uganda.
A CRITICAL ECCLESIOLOGY AND THEOLOGICAL DYNAMICS IN WOMEN MINISTRIAL FORMATION IN THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF TANZANIA, DIOCESE OF THE RIFT VALLEY
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-08-25) Ntiamagwa Elia Christian
This study investigated why women have not undergone theological studies and propose solutions to implement the resolution. The objectives of the study were; to investigate historical institutional barriers to women's theological education and ordination in the Diocese of Rift Valley, to understand stakeholders' perspectives on women's inclusion in theological roles in the diocese of Rift valley, and to evaluate theological education accessibility for women in the diocese of Rift Valley. A cross sectional research design, using a sample size of 113 respondents was adopted. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the respondents and data was collected using well designed structured questionnaire and interview guide. Findings indicate that the lack of historical recognition and support for women's theological education is seen as a key factor in perpetuating gender inequality and 92.9% of respondents strongly agreed on the claim. It was also established that the traditional leadership structure actively encourages women to take on leadership roles in theology, 95.6% of respondents strongly agreed. Findings also reveal that a majority of respondents (92.8%) strongly agree that the lack of female theological role models within the Anglican Church of Tanzania discourages women from pursuing theological education. In conclusion, the study highlights that women have historically faced significant barriers to theological education and ordination due to entrenched traditional gender roles, patriarchal structures, and cultural norms, underscoring the need for institutional reforms to address these persistent obstacles. The study reveals a broad consensus among stakeholders in the Diocese of Rift Valley in support of women's theological education and ordination, with strong endorsement for their capabilities and involvement, though societal and cultural barriers and some minor reservations remain. The study also shows that while women are generally perceived to have equal access to theological education and support from the Anglican Church of Tanzania, financial constraints, geographic disparities, and a lack of female role models continue to pose significant challenges. The study recommends that the Diocese of Rift Valley should implement comprehensive reforms to challenge and dismantle traditional gender roles and patriarchal structures. The study also recommends that the Diocese of Rift Valley should enhance its efforts in addressing societal and cultural barriers that hinder women's full participation. In addition, the Diocese of Rift Valley should expand financial aid and scholarship programs to address financial constraints more effectively.
Integrity and the Contemporary Church: A Case of the Anglican Church– Diocese of Tarime, Tanzania, East Africa
(2024-10-24) John Msuma Nyaitara
The study was about the Integrity and the contemporary church, A Case of the Anglican Church - Diocese of Tarime, Tanzania, East, Africa The study sought to analyze the implication of integrity on the ministry of church leaders and Christians in general today in the Anglican Church - Diocese of Tarime in Tanzania, East Africa. The specific objectives of the study were the practice of integrity in the contemporary church, the importance of integrity in the contemporary church, the challenges of integrity in the contemporary church and the Christian and strategies to address the challenges in the Anglican Church - Diocese of Tarime, Tanzania, East Africa. The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative designs for a detailed and comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the data. The quantitative aspect considered the numbers involved in the study; while the qualitative considered the correctness, reliability and the accuracy of the information. The effective ministry of the gospel and the growth and evangelization was found to be dependent on the practice of integrity for moral uprightness of both the Christians and leaders, both lay and ordained. On the issue of the importance of integrity in the contemporary church ministry, it was found out that; majority of Christians embrace it fully. On the challenges of integrity, the study revealed that integrity is compromised by a number of aspects of life such sexual scandals, economy/poverty, lack of adequate training of minister (lay and ordained). While the strategies to address the challenge included training, seminars, books handouts, counseling, Bible study, Sunday Schools and discipleship programs.
Salvation Among the Members of the East African Revival Movement: A Case of Kitagata Archdeaconry West Ankole Diocese of the Church of Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-09-25) Laban Batungirwahi
The study sought to investigate the understanding of salvation among the members of the East African Revival Movement: a case of Kitagata Archdeaconry, West Ankole Diocese of the Church of Uganda. The study was guided by 3 objectives: to analyse the understanding of salvation by the members of the East African Revival Movement members (Balokole); to assess the reasons for the above understanding of salvation among the Balokole; and to examine the effects of the Balokole understanding of salvation. The study employed qualitative methodologies for comprehensive analysis. Both purposive and simple random sampling methods were used. The data was collected using questionnaires and interviews from 100 respondents of Kitagata Archdeaconry, West Ankole Diocese. The findings revealed that the East African Revival Movement understanding of salvation is unique and is inclined to the subjective theory of salvation. Consequently, this unique understanding of salvation has both positive and negative effects on how people live out their salvation. The church has responded to the negative effects of the East African Revival understanding of salvation in some ways. This study affirms these responses and the researcher has made more recommendations
A Study on Delegation in Exodus 18:13–27 and Among the Clergy of the Diocese of Kampala: Towards Contextualization
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-09-23) Lovincer Katana
This study investigated the concept of Delegation in Exodus 18:13-27 and among the Clergy of the Diocese of Kampala to contextualize the biblical teaching on Delegation found in Exodus 18:13-27. It consists of the exegetical analysis of Exodus 18:13-27; analysis of the practice of delegation among the Clergy of the Diocese of Kampala; and contextualization of the biblical teaching on the practice of delegation in Exodus 18:13-27 among the clergy of the Diocese of Kampala. The social scientific approach was employed for exegetical study; a phenomenological approach was used to collect and analyze the data on the practice of delegation among the clergy of the Diocese of Kampala while a critical contextualization approach was used in contextualization. The exegetical analysis of Exodus 18:13-27 revealed that: Delegation is the sharing of responsibility and authority with others, Delegation is carried out through a specific process, and that there are results when delegation is carried out as well as when it is not. The findings on the practice of Delegation among the clergy of the Diocese of Kampala indicated that generally, the delegation was simply sharing responsibility with others especially those serving under them, and not necessarily sharing of authority. There was also no clear process being followed to ensure that roles/responsibilities were delegated well and followed through with. The contextualization of Exodus 18:13-27 in the practice of delegation among the clergy of the Diocese of Kampala pointed out that: Delegation not only involves the sharing of responsibilities but also the sharing of authority so that one to whom responsibility has been delegated has the mandate to carry it out. Delegation involves a specific process that both the person delegating as well as the one to whom tasks are delegated go through to ensure that: the person(s) selected has/have the required qualities to carry out the work, that the selected person has understood the task at hand, that the reporting/feedback mechanism is clear and that the selected person(s) has/have a conducive environment within which they can operate.
The Death of Jesus Christ As Sacrifice in the Epistles of Paul and the Epistle to the Hebrews: A Comparative Study
(Uganda Christian University, 1997) Muhindo, Kalengyo
The concept and practice of sacrifice exist in the Old Testament setting and in some pagan communities of the Graeco-Roman world. In this dissertation, the author presents a comparative study of the death of Jesus Christ as a sacrifice as recorded in the epistles of St. Paul and the epistle of Hebrews. Putting more emphasis on the sacrifices for sin, the author explores the various backgrounds to the thought of sacrifice in Paul and the Hebrews. The author analyses the similarities and differences of the concept of sacrifice in Paul and the writer to the Hebrews. The author observes that both writers using cultic categories have transformed the understanding of atonement from the cultic to the personal level.
The Primacy of “Spirit” (Pastoral Studies) in Pastoral Care and Counseling of Basoga of Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 1992) Magumba, John P.
The traditional African therapy system under spirit-based care remained affective throughout the missionary era and it continues to appeal to some Basiga of contemporary era more than Christianity does. In this dissertation the author presents the primacy of “spirit” among the Basoga of Eastern Uganda as regards pastoral care and counseling. The author asserts that among the Basoga the spirits and their agents have power which the Christian careers and counselors do not have. The author affirms that among the Basoga their concepts and values about disease, health, and healing are influenced by beliefs and experiences of spirit power. The author recommends that listening to the Musoga parishioner and client would be necessary in addressing his or her true pastoral needs for therapy.
The Biblical View of the Unborn Child Psalm 139: 13–18
(Uganda Christian University, 1992) Ebong, Johnson O.
Abortion is a new phenomenon among contemporary Africans which has become a common practice among the young and adults alike. In this research work the author examines the biblical view of the unborn child according to Psalm 139:13-18, the author stresses the fact that the systematic and intentional destruction of the unborn child with the aim to relieve its mother from pregnancy, was a rare practice among traditional African societies. The author affirms that the biblical view portrays God as the source of life and that at every stage of human life, God has a purpose hence the need to preserve, protect and defend human life at all stages. The author recommends the Church leadership to help the Christians to read the bible and seek guidance from the word of God on life issues such as abortion, to teach and preach constantly the value of human life, to speak and write strongly about the practice of abortion, to form pro-life associations with the help of doctors who value life, and to help parents to promote the value of life among their children and teach them to respect human life.
The symbol of the Eucharist in the African context
(Uganda Christian University, 1988) Tovey, Phillip
One of the contemporary problems in the mission Churches in Africa is the indigenization or inculturation of worship and the Eucharist poignantly illustrates this problem. In this dissertation the author treats the problem. The author examines different theological approaches to the Eucharist as a symbol, the anthropology of the symbol, the Eucharist in Ethiopian Orthodox Church the rites of African Independent Church’s and studies the Roman Catholic Church. The author discusses the dialectical relationship between anthropology and theology. He recommends that it is the interrelationship of theology and culture that the existential problem of the African Church would find synthesis.
Prolegomena to an African Theology: An Examination of the Sources and Methodology of Mbiti’s Theology.
(Uganda Christian University, 1987) Niringiye, David Z.
On May 26th 1985, over the Canadian broadcasting corporation, Dr. John Mbiti stated that the Christians in Africa have a faith but not a theology; and that Western missionaries agreed to contextualize Christianity in music and Church decorations but not in theology. Examining the sources and methodology of Mbiti’s theology, in this dissertation the author presents a prolegomena to an African theology. The author assesses Professor John Samuel Mbiti’s theology with particular reference to his doctrine of eschatology developed in his book. New Testament eschatology in an African background. The author high lights the fact that Mbiti’s theology lacks the dialectical tension and balance between creation, sin and salvation; and that Mbiti’s theology tends to emphasize continuity between Christianity and African religion and cultural experience over discontinuity, hence Mbiti’s theology being an inadequate statement of Christian belief that is both Christian and African. The author proposes an alternative methodology based on the Christ-event of incarnation, death and resurrection allowing for a construction of a theology that identifies and maintains the dialectical balance and tension between creation, sin and salvation. The author recommends that the Christ-event should be at the Centre of any theologizing in the African context that bears the name Christian.
Towards an indigenous understanding and practice of baptism amongst the Baganda, Uganda.
(Uganda Christian University, 1982) Mutebi, Wilson B.
The coming of independence and the feeling of nationalism amongst African peoples in the middle of the 20th century also brought the desire for religious independence. The author in this dissertation presents an indigenous understanding and practice of baptism amongst the Baganda of Central Uganda. The author observes that Christianity in Africa is to a large extent wrapped in Western culture. The author asserts that though Christianity in Buganda has taken root, it has not destroyed the indigenous religion and that the indigenous religion continues to have an influence among the Baganda. The author stresses that there is a useful relationship between the Kiganda rites performed in the early period of childhood and baptism. The author high lights the fact that contemporary Baganda Christians have one leg in the Church and the second into the traditional religion. The author recommends the Church leadership in Buganda to employ a positive and understanding approach and study carefully the Kiganda beliefs and practices so as to include the values of Kiganda traditional religion in the life of the Church.
The bible, growing landless-ness, and environmental degradation in modern Uganda: An encounter.
(Uganda Christian University, 2002) Olwa, Alfred
In modern Uganda two situations, in which a theme from the bible is understood to have immediate practical consequences in the lives of many people, is landlessness and environmental degradation. In this dissertation the author examines the problem of landlessness and environmental degradation in modern Uganda. The author asserts that the problem of growing landlessness and environmental degradation is relevant to the Church in modern Uganda. The author recommends that the Church leadership in Uganda in dealing with the problem should focus on justice and righteousness.
Ecclesiology among the Lugbara of Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2001) Erema, Samuel O. F.
Focus: When the Missionaries introduced Christianity among the Lugbara, they introduced western model of ecclesiology which is not appropriate to the Lugabra Christian spirituality. In this dissertation the author high lights ecclesiology among the Lugbara of North-western Uganda. The author decries the fact that African Christians inherited missionary models with the denominational divisions and individualistic way of life which properly belonged to the western Church-and as a result the African communal way of life was devalued and African Christians completely broke from their traditional societies. The author asserts that the missionary model has not fitted the African Christians and has failed to penetrate deeply to the heart of the African. The author recommends that the Church leadership in Africa should establish the African clan model ecclesiology which is most appropriate for the Lugbara Christian and African Christian in general.
The Christian influence on the understanding of death among the Acholi
(Uganda Christian University, 2001) Ayela, Labeja .O. O.
Focus: For the Acholi people of Northern Uganda, traditionally death is a natural phenomenon which is inevitable and unquestionable. In this dissertation, the author assesses the Christian influence on the understanding of death among the Acholi. The author confirms that for the traditional Acholi human beings have no permanent existence in the physical or spiritual world and no future life in terms of resurrection. The author affirms that their traditional understanding of death contributes to fear, beliefs and practices in handling the sick, corpse, burial arrangement, funeral rites and inheritance of widows among the Acholi people. The author asserts that the advent of Christianity in Acholi in 1904 has greatly changed this understanding through the introduction of the concept of resurrection, and as a result superstition on the origin of death, the way of caring for the sick, and the dying, burial system, mourning, funeral rites, the inheritance of widows and life after death have a new meaning for the Acholi of contemporary era. The author recommends that in order to maintain the resurrection influence on the Acholi people, the Church must continue effective evangelization of the non-Christian Acholi and effectively nurture the Christian Acholi converts.
Indigenization of theology worship in the Anglican Church of Congo
(Uganda Christian University, 2000) Sabiti, Daniel T.
For J.M. Waliggo, inculturation means the honest and serious attempt to make Christ and message of salvation ever more understood by peoples of every culture, locality and time. In this dissertation the author presents indigenization of worship in the Anglican Church of Congo. In order to assess how African traditional music and prayer serve as a means to express the African traditional religious life, the author examines African traditional religious heritage. The author asserts that music and prayer are fundamental elements in divine worship and that they have been used in the biblical era and in the history of the Christian Church. The author recommends that if the Anglican Church of Congo wants to create worship which is relevant, authentic and meaningful to her Christians, she needs to indigenize her liturgy.

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