The Contribution of Religious Communities to Social Services: A Case of African Indigenous Pentecostal Christianity of the Deliverance Church in Busoga, Uganda

Abstract

This article examines the social contributions of African Indigenous Pentecostal Christianity (AIPC) through a case study of the Deliverance Church (DC) in Busoga, Uganda. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions with a sample of DC leaders and congregants across Busoga’s major congregations. The study involved 250 participants, selected through purposive and stratified sampling to ensure diverse representation. Data analysis included both quantitative and qualitative methods, enabling a comprehensive understanding of DC’s impact. Key findings reveal DC’s critical role in education, health, and economic empowerment. In education, DC established schools in underserved areas, addressing literacy gaps and promoting moral values. In health, DC’s AIDS Intervention Project (TAIP) provided holistic support during Uganda’s HIV and AIDS crisis, integrating spiritual and healthcare services to combat stigma and improve accessibility. Economic initiatives, such as Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), further empowered families, fostering financial resilience. This study demonstrates how AIPC, through the DC, has driven sustainable community development, illustrating the transformative potential of religious organizations in providing social services tailored to local needs.