Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy

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Tobacco and Christianity a case study on the impact of tobacco growing on Anglican Christianity in Madi/West Nile diocese
(Kyambogo University {un published work}, 2007-06) Tayua Simei, Nelson
The study highlights the impact of growth of tobacco on the Anglican Church, in Madi West Nile Diocese and in Arua District in particular from 1940s up to today. Chapter one focuses on the general introduction of the study, it clarifies the aim of the study, its importance, the methods used for the study and problems encountered during the research. Chapter two focuses on the growth of tobacco in Madi Nile west Nile Diocese and in Arua District in particular. It covers the whole season from sowing the seeds in the nursery beds, transplanting and maintaining the crops in the field, harvesting and curing the tobacco leaves. It also highlights the pests and diseases of tobacco and their control. The purpose of this chapter is to show the intensity of work in Tobacco growing. Chapter three talks about the impact of tobacco, not only on the Christians, but on the whole community in Madi/West Nile diocese and Arua district in particular. In the chapter is mentioned the positive and negative impacts of tobacco and the various diseases caused by tobacco, i.e. lung cancer etc. caused by the use of tobacco, mainly caused by smoking. Chapter four focuses on the different responses/attitudes of the different groups of people to the existence and growth of tobacco in Arua district. This includes attitudes and the preaching of the church. Chapter five as the end of-1he study, comprises of conclusions and suggestions or recommendations. It covers the positive and negative impacts of tobacco growing in Madi/ West Nile Diocese. On the positive side, tobacco growing in Madi/ West Nile diocese has led to education of some people. Some money and vehicles have been brought into the Diocese because of the presence of tobacco in Arua district. has also negative impacts in Madi /West Nile Diocese and in Arua district in particular, such as deforestation, and change of weather. There is also misuse of
The challenges facing the clergy of church of Uganda Case study : Mukono diocese (1984-2010)
(Kyambogo University (un published work), 2011-11) Kiwanuka, Dunstan Mazinga
The study set out to identify the major cultural background in relation with the challenges faced by the clergy in Mukono Diocese, as well as to establish their plausible remedies. By their social status, Clergy are a special spiritual group in society who are expected to help the community meet their social, physical and spiritual needs. However, the many challenges have not enabled the clergy in Mukono Diocese to play their social role very effectively. Chapter one discussed the background of the study, mission statement of the Diocese, role and position of the clergy, statement of the problem, Hypotheses, Objectives of the study, Scope, significance of the study, Literature review, methodology, research limitations and delimitations, as well as defined the operational key terms of the study. Chapter two discussed the major ethnic group and early missionary activities. Focus was put in the origins, religion, economy, marriage, death and social characteristics of the Baganda. The early missionary work in Uganda was also taken note of especially the Diocese of Uganda (1897-1961), the province of the church of Uganda, and the number of church of Uganda adherents as given by the 2002 population census. Chapter three discussed the financial and administrative challenges of the clergy in Mukono Diocese. Here the researcher's main emphasis was put on the causes of these challenges in the Diocese. Chapter four discussed the pastoral challenges of the clergy. These are challenges that arise out of the clergy's attitudes towards their career, how they relate with their
The challenges of HIV/AIDS epidemic: a case study of Namirembe Diocese, church of Uganda, 1992 – 2012.
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2013-11) Kabanda, Paul Richard
An investigation of the Challenges of HIV and AIDS was conducted in Namirembe Diocese - church of Uganda. The Diocese of Namir'en1be is the oldest Diocese in the Anglican Church of the Province of Uganda. lt covers the districts of Wakiso, Kalangala (Ssese Islands) and most parts of Kampala, with 6 Archdeaconries & one Deanery, 57 Parishes, and 342 local congregations (churches). Namirembe Diocese shares boundaries with Luweero Diocese in the North, Mukono Diocese in the East and South East, in the South; it is bordered by West Buganda and Central Buganda Dioceses, in the West it is bordered by Mityana Diocese. The major Variables in the study included; Diocesan responses in terms of caring for People Living with AIDS, Support offered to HIV and AJDS Carriers in the Diocese, Church activities that PLWA are engaged in and the Diocesan involvement in HJV and AlDS activities. In order to investigate a descriptive research design was used. Methods of data Collection included; Discussions, Questionnaires and interviews as primary sources of data Collection. Documentary method and Observation methods were the ones used as secondary sources. Results indicated that HIV and AIDS awareness and Prevention strategies are very much promoted by Namirembe Diocese through various activities, 42% are health Centers that offer services on behalf of the Diocese, 18% are activities promoting Abstinence, Behavioral Change, being faithful to one trusted partner. 12% are activities promoted through Music, Dance and Drama, 4% use Sports as a medium, and 24% through training and educative seminars. Activities done in relation to HIV and AIDS programs were noted at 42% as prevention (Behavioral Change Communication, Peer education, promotion of ABC). 17 .8% as Awareness through various activities like, Information Education and Communication tools distribution; Drama, Music, Sports and Dance. Voluntary Counseling and testing was at 14.1 % this involves Voluntary Testing, and Counseling of people.
The Islamic influence on Christianity in Uganda a case study of Kampala district (1962-2013)
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2013-12) Mwizerwa, Ebed
This research analyses the Islamic influence on Christianity in Uganda, a case of Kampala District. It was based on three objectives: To assess practices used by Muslims to influence Christians, analyze the main Islamic doctrines that have influenced Christians and to identify areas of cooperation between Muslims and Christians in Uganda, through which the former have influenced the latter. This study employs qualitative to investigate the said topic. Using a cross sectional research design: a sample of one hundred (100) respondents was studied through self-administered questionnaires and informal interviews. The researcher used observation, he was able to get information using critical eye and it helped him to get more facts. He also used books, websites, journals and unpublished materials. In respect to the objectives, the study found out that, Muslims use their practices to influence Christians like generosity to people they live within the community, their brotherhood and solidarity attract non-Muslims to their faith, offering scholarships, influencing Islamic culture to non Muslims in Institutions of learning and open air preaching and debates. Islamic religion requires Muslims to do the above and this challenged Christians also to wake up and do the same in their various denominations. Some Islamic doctrines have also influenced Christians like teaching about prayers, fasting, and oneness of God (monotheism) that Jesus is not son of God, teaching about marriage. Such doctrines have been used to undermine Christianity however Christians have been revived in their ministry especially in apologetics because Muslims have converted some non Muslims through their teachings. The following have been areas of cooperation between Muslims and Christians and how the former have, influenced the latter was discussed: Campaign against HIV/AIDS have been used by promoting circumcision which is one of the Islamic practices. Having radio/Television shows and Muslims emphasizing halal food. Discussion and think tank are used by Muslims to air out their Islamic ideology. Helping each other in time of calamities by Muslims especially those willing to convert to Islam. Muslims banning teaching Divinity is some schools. Marriage ceremonies, Cultural functions, Fundraisings, National events and interfaith prayers have been organized by leaders of both religions. ln such functions Muslim wishes are adhered to like avoiding drinking alcohol and eating pork. Recommendations made include: treating each other equally, developing of income generating activities, guidance and counseling, genuine friendship, Human rights to be respected, learning and respecting other people's cultures, emphasizing family planning and net working with other development partners.
Socio-economic empowerment of women in west Pokot District for the period 1963-2011.
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2014-10) Cherotich, Miliarket Caroline
There are few women who have been employed in governmental offices as head of departments for example in education, agricultural officers, and commissioners among others. This is contributed mainly by low level of education and in job opportunities which is controlled and dominated by men. Religiously, West Pokot women have not been empowered because most of the church teachings and doctrines undermines women and consider them to be weaker sex. They are supposed to be subordinate to their husbands. Men are represented to be head. This has made women to be seen as inferior and not supposed to participate in leadership roles of the church or contribute to decision making of affairs of the church. The current study sought to unearth the socio-economic barriers to women empowerment in West Pokot District. The specific objectives were: To examine the existing cultural setup structures among Pokots that hinder women empowerment; to analyze non-cultural factors that hinder women empowerment in West Pokot District; to establish the role of the church in empowering of women in West Pokot District; and to suggest possible solutions to the socio-economic factors that hinder empowerment of women in West Pokot District. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data was collected from male and female adults in West Pokot district using questionnaires, focus group discussions and document analysis. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques that include means, percentages, frequencies and the hypothesis was tested using chi-square. The dissertation is organized into six chapters. The first chapter is the introduction, chapter two presents general information of the respondents, chapter three, four and five covers cultural set up structures, non-cultural factors and role of the church respectively. Chapter six is the conclusion and recommendations based on the findings of the study. The findings indicate that cultural beliefs and practices, female genital mutilation and forced marriage, hinders women participation while a few said that it does not affect women participation. Further, gender discrimination and religious rituals are barriers to women participation. It was also established that inadequate finance, low level of education, and ignorance affects women participation. However majority of the respondents disagreed that women do not participate in income generating activities and neither do they have professional skills but a few agreed that they do not participate in income generating activities and do not have professional skills. It is anticipated that the study findings will help women to un-earth the obstacle that have hindered the empowerment of women. The finding of the study will help the Kenyan government and politicians to work towards the implementation of the policies and laws that were designed to help in empowering women. The findings will help non-governmental organizations (NGO's) to identify priority areas in which they can participate in the process of empowering women. Finally the findings of the study will serve as a basis for future inquiry on the related topics on women empowerment.
Women empowerment and the catholic church pastoral programme: a case study of lugazi diocese.
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2014-12) Reginah, Nantongo Emilly (SR)
This study was an evaluation of Lugazi Diocesan pastoral program on women empowerment in the light of the components of women empowerment. It entailed the fact that the dominant subordinate model of male and female relations characterizes most societies throughout Uganda, this research therefore sought to know the position of women following the Lugazi Diocesan policies based on the equality-complementarity model in contrast to the dominant subordinate model which suppresses Women. The specific objectives of this research involved: elaboration of the components of women empowerment, evaluation of Lugazi Diocesan pastoral program on Women empowermentin the light of the components of women empowerment, and suggesting solutions for a better realization of women empowerment in Lugazi. This study employed the following methods in a bid to achieve those objectives: the qualitative and quantitative, purposeful sampling and research instruments like: the use of questionnaires, interviews, discussion, focus group discussion, documentary analysis among others. The findings of this research revealed that, provisions I policies have been put in place for women in Lugazi to be empowered. On the other side, although the Church advocates for gender equality, patriarchal patterns of governance are still active in the leadership structure, a fact that needs re-visiting for true empowerment to be actualized. The conclusions and recommendations of the study suggested that: to have a fair community and empower women requires the transformation of the mindset of both women and men to view themselves as equal partners in the household of God. Besides; women are not seeking primarily to rule over men but to work with them in just collaboration according to each individual's capabilities. Added to the above, women cannot experience empowerment without the simultaneous liberation of men from their patriarchal standards, therefore complementarity and mutuality rather than contradiction and competition with men are key remedies. So, the general recommendations of this research included: the aspect of balancing the gap, liberation from the patriarchal culture, net-working among women, enhancement of self-worth, partnership void of misguided competition, building of the sense of self-esteem, use of the evangelizing mission of Jesus, encouragement of full participation, among others.
The phenomenon of oppression of women and the cultural, religious practices and teachings: a case study of Bushenyi district
(Kyambogo University (unpublished work), 2014-12) Abamwesiga, Arabella
This study investigated the oppression of women in the case study area-Bushenyi District. ln chapter one, the dissertation identified the back ground of the study, the statement of the problem, hypothesis, objectives, scope and the significance of the study, review of related literature, methodology, constraints, solutions and the definition of the terms. All over the world, women have been oppressed, abused physically, emotionally, socially, economically and in all aspects of life. Despite some laws put forward to protect the human rights and existence of formal education, the study revealed that still women experience oppression of various forms. For instance beatings harr The researcher therefore discovered this problem worldwide, on country level that is in (Uganda) and District level (Case study of Bushenyi District). The population of the study comprised of women, men, church leaders, probation officer and Local councils. The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative approaches of data collection. The tools used in data collection were questionnaires, oral interviews, focus group discussion, observation and document review. The researcher was guided by both main and specific objectives of the study as categorized in different chapters of the study. The first specific objective of the study was discussed in chapter two as it examined the existing oppressive cultural beliefs and practices among Banyankole in Bushenyi District. That is oppressive taboos, proverbs and sayings. The second objective of the study in chapter three identified the effects of oppression of women in Bushenyi District, for example; loss of self-esteem, poverty, diseases, divorce and separation, hatred and death. The study showed the third specific objective in chapter four as; the paradoxical nature of religious teachings on oppression of women. These included; both New and Old Testament teachings in the bible, the Islamic teachings that encourage and discourage oppression of women. Chapter five of the study found out the possible solutions to women oppression in Bushenyi District as stated as the fourth specific objective of the study. The study discovered that there is oppression of women in Bushenyi District. It was also found out that the cause of oppression of women is mainly due to upbringing and oppressive cultural beliefs and practices. There were also other ways of oppression of women like some religious teachings and modern ways like due to technology, media, education, employment.
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah revisited : military and political reflections
(Old Testament Essays, 2015) Wabyanga, Robert Kuloba
That Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis have been a subject of constant cognitive itch is a truism rather than fiction. Aware that the HB is an ideological text, the story of Jordan states notably Sodom and Gomorrah may need further reflections outside sexual frontlines but from the perspectives of political dynamics of the ANE. This paper explores Sodom and Gomorrah as a political and military story that turned theological and ideological. I opine that the fire that razed Sodom and Gomorrah could have been the result of military invasion(s). What is however intriguing is the interest of the biblical writer: at what points would the military or political afterlife of Sodom and Gomorrah meet with the ideological interests of the Bible writer? What interests does the writer have in Sodom and Gomorrah that he finds it necessary not only to conceal the historical reality but also invent ideas and imageries of Sodom and Gomorrah as condemned cities? The paper employs Clines' and Exum's strategies of reading against the grain and defragmenting the stories. In this case, the different stories of Sodom and Gomorrah in chs. 10, 13, 14, 18 and 19 are read critically and in conversation with each other.
Youth ministry in the mainstream churches in Wakiso district
(Kyambogo University (un published work), 2016-07) Bbosa, Esau Kimanje (rev)
This study investigated the Youth Ministry in the mainstream churches in Wakiso District. The study was based on finding out the programs and the aims which the mainstream churches have in place for the youth; establish the contributions of the existing youth ministry to the youth in the mainstream churches; finding out the challenges of youth ministry in the mainstream churches and suggesting solutions to the challenges of youth ministry in the mainstream churches. A combination of both qualitative and quantitative designs was employed. But the dominant design in this study was qualitative. A total of 204 respondents were involved. A purposeful sampling method was used in selecting the sample as it was ideal and it ensured getting information from resourceful persons. The Primary data was collected using questionnaires, interview guide and focus discussion groups while secondary data was obtained from written documents and internet. Data was analyzed using descriptive means. The study findings are of both theoretical and practical significance to the following: the parents benefit from the study, because the findings equip them with knowledge of giving their children a good spiritual foundation, which in tum will result into a big number of the youth in the church. The findings are of benefit to the Pastors and other Church leaders as they are provided with information of carrying out attractive and effective ministry to the youths. Students and scholars who will carry out related studies will benefit from the findings by getting the needed background information to their studies. The findings of the study will also be of benefit to the general society because when the church handles the youth properly their morals will improve, thus raising well behaved citizens. The findings from the research show that there are programs and the aims which the mainstream churches have in place for the youth; there are established contributions of the existing youth ministry to the youth in the mainstream churches; there are challenges of youth ministry in the mainstream churches and suggested recommendations to the challenges of youth ministry in the mainstream churches were given.
2007 post election violence and the response of Seventh-day Adventist church: a case study of Eldoret east district, Kenya
(Kyambogo University(Un published work), 2016-10) Ogaro, Davis N.
This study sought to discuss the 2007 post election violence and the response of the Seventhday Adventist Church in Eldoret East district. Political factors. inequitable resource al location, land issues. prejudice, failure of the Police. communal conflicts, hate speeches, the media, tribalism and discrimination were discussed as the causes of the 2007 PEV. Mass loss of life, displacement of persons, destruction of property fear of fresh ethnic clashes, injuries. fluctuation of the economy. food shortage. alteration of land tenure system, sexual based violence, effects on schools, health related problems and environmental consequences \\ere discussed as the negative effects of the 2007 PEV. After the 2007 PEY. the study indicated that Kenyans have cherished the spirit of development, co-existence, peace, unity, and reconciliation more than ever before. This led to the formation and implementation of the new constitution that provides equal opportunity for all citizens regardless of their ethnic backgrounds. Consequently, the Kenyan people demonstrated solidarity by conducting peaceful general elections in 2013. The SDA Church responded to the 2007 PEV by preaching love, peace and solidarity. proving food and non-food items, offering prayers and counseling services. negotiating between warring communities, visiting the clash victims, and rushing the injured to the hospital. Churches were used both as hiding places and shelters for the affected persons. However. the Church was also used by politicians to utter hate speeches, propagate tribalism and discrimination. The study \! as descriptive in nature and adopted qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling was applied to the subjects the researcher believed had relevant information on the problem under investigation. Interview, questionnaire. and observation were the main tools for data collection.
The role of the church in poverty reduction: a case study of Hoima catholic diocese
(Kyambogo University (un published work), 2018-12) Katusiime, Nsemerirwek Scholastic
The stud examined the Role of the Church in poverty Reduction in Hoima Catholic Diocese. Generally. the study assessed the contribution of the Catholic Church towards poverty reduction in Hoima Diocese. Most specifically, the study determined the role of the Church in poverty reduction among Catholic Christians in Hoima Diocese. established the causes and efforts made by the Catholic Church towards poverty reduction. and coping strategies adopted for more effective poverty reduction in Hoima District. The study used a case study design to closely investigate social and poverty reduction related issues. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methods to establish the variables including the objectives. A total sample size of 100 respondents for questionn.aires plus 60 families for interviews were involved. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select respondents. The study used documentary review, questionnaires. interview guide and observation to provide information for the study. Overall, the study findings revealed that the livelihoods of the people and incomes were generally quite low and others did not have even '·monthly income·· study findings revealed that the majority of people were in savings through SACCOs that education status was not satisfactory. The study concludes that poverty is still a substantial reality in Hoima Diocese. However, there are many positive efforts to reduce it. The biggest conclusion, in line with the general objective, is that the Church has made a meaningful contribution towards poverty reduction in Hoima Diocese in spite of the challenges which abound. The study recommends that the Church focuses on planning with and not for the people. as well as sensitizing them to carry out nontraditional economic activities but in a somewhat scientific way. And that she makes it her programme to preach, like a gospel. the joining of the SACCOs and saving as a true channel for economic development.
Contextual study of 1 samuel 1:1-20 in relation to naming practices of the Lugbara
(Kyambogo University (un published work), 2019-07) Wadiko, Iren
This study was carried out on the contextual analysis of 1 Samuel 1:1-20 in relation to the naming practices of the Lugbara. The study sought to discuss the text in relation to family life and naming practices, analyze the Lugbara family life and naming practices and establish the contextual relationship between the text and the Lugbara society in relation to family life and naming practices. A sample of ninety respondents was selected from the three districts by purposive sampling method. The study used interviews, observation and sampling as methods for collecting data. And the theoretical frame work of the study was African Bible Hermeneutics. Detailed contextual study of 1 Samuel 1:1-20 was done followed by the discussion of the text, in which major issues arising from it were paid attention to. The study examined the Bible and its context of naming where discussions were carried out on the Ancient Near Eastern naming practices.The study then proceeded to analyze Biblical naming practices. And numerous naming practices in the Bible were discussed. The study also found out that Lugbara people have patriarchal families which are characterized by the rule of men. It also found out that polygamy and barrenness affect women negatively.It was found out that it is the mother who names her child, and the name is influenced by her experience in marriage.In the analysis of the findings, the researcher found out that the family life and naming practices in 1 Samuel 1:1-20 share similarities with Lugbara family life and naming practices. And the study concludes that, Lugbara naming practices are therefore Biblical hence need not to be thrown away by the Christians who have been influenced by the colonialists, Western civilization and missionaries. The study recommended that other scholars should do contextual study of the Biblical text in relation to the naming practices of other African societies. And scholars were also called upon to do contextual study of Biblical texts in the light of, Lugbara sacrificial practices which is one of the practices that has been rendered evil among the Lugbara people.
An analysis of effects of divisionism in the Pentecostal churches : a case study of church of God and church of God of East Africa, Nebbi district
(Kyambogo University, 2019-10) Omaya, Vincent
Overall, the study assessed the divisionism between the adherents of Church of God and Church of God of East Africa in Nebbi district. More specifically, the study examined three aspects to: find out the causes of divisionism between the adherents of Church of God and Church of God of East Africa; find out the effect of divisionism between the adherents of Church of God and Church of God of East Africa and suggest the solutions to the problems of divisionism between the adherents of Church of God and Church of God of East Africa. The study used a case study design. It used questionnaires and interviews as major tools for data collection. Specifically the study covered a total of 270 respondents from the 30 Churches taking 15 churches from Church of God and 15 churches from Church of God of East Africa. Purposive sampling method was used for Church and local leaders while random sample sampling method was used for Church members. The findings of the study revealed that: power struggle and low level of education were the cause of divisionism between the adherents of Church of God and Church of God of east Africa; hatred, divisionism and reduction in the number of followers were the major effects of divisionism between the adherents of Church of God and Church of God of East Africa in Nebbi district and forgiveness, dialogue and repentance were the major possible solution to the divisionism between the adherents of Church of God and Church of God of East Africa in Nebbi district. The study concluded that divisionism between the adherents of Church of God and Church of God of East Africa in Nebbi district was caused by power struggle, low level of education, ignorance and poverty. It recommended that the government and other relevant authorities, for example members of Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC), regulate the different religious faith in order to minimize such divisionism between the adherents of Church of God and Church of God of East Africa; that the two Churches to reconcile and live in harmony since all are from the same community and Christian faith and that the body that governed the different religious groups in Uganda intervene and resolve the divisionism between the adherents of Church of God and Church of God of East Africa.
A contextual study of 1 Samuel 28 in relation to divination in contemporary African society
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2019-10) Nadunga, Annet
This Thesis is a hermeneutical analysis of 1 Samuel 28 in relation to divination practices in contemporary African society. The focus of the analysis is on the fluidity of ideological renditions of divination in the Bible text and the contemporary African society. The framework of the study is postcoloniality; a literary approach of Bible interpretation where the Bible text is read in a decolonized way with a view of liberating and giving voice to the hitherto demonized, ridiculed and silenced African traditional systems. The analysis takes forms of a close reading of 1 Samuel 28 in its original context and examines its contextual relevance to the African socio-cultural setting in relation to divination. Different African modes of divination and their modes of operation are also discussed. The contemporary African ideas and attitudes are also articulated. The study revealed that both the Bible (con)text and Africans today express ambivalent attitudes towards the practice of divination. They criticize diviners and divination yet on the other hand when faced with life challenges which modem science and technology cannot solve, they opt for divination services. In most cases, divination services are sought nicodemusly with the aim of concealing the client's identity from the public. When compared with the scenario in the Bible narrative, there is no difference with what happens in modem Africa. Saul banished diviners from the land because their services were regarded illicit on the ideological basis of the Deuteronomist writer. However, when Saul was faced with a desperate situation, he goes after the ones he banished. He put aside his royal robes and waited for darkness to cover him up as he finds his way to Endor. When the text is read in conversion with the African contemporary views on divination, we notice that they share the ideology of portraying divination as an illicit practice, and approve other means of dealing with human problems (like prophets as in the biblical society; science and technology, Christianity and modem medicine among others in the contemporary settings). However, on the other hand when faced with life challenges, the Africans look back to what they disputed. The negative labels of this noble African religious institution by Western colonialism is the reason why an African, faced with problems that need divination, finds it shameful, uncivilized and backward to seek the services of a diviner publicly but in hiding.
Innovation or competition? A critical analysis of contemporary divine healing practices of pentecostal Africans in Africa and the diaspora
(International Bulletin of Mission Research., 2020-10-12) Wabyanga, R. Kuloba; Nyamnjoh, Henrietta; Ugba, Abel
This article examines current practices of divine healing of Pentecostal Africans. It provides insights into current developments by using the explanatory concepts of innovation, competition, and agency. The article draws on data obtained through an interdisciplinary, transnational, and multisite investigation of eight Pentecostal churches in Kampala, Nairobi, Cape Town, and London. Methods used included ethnographic observation, visual ethnography, and semistructured interviews. Pentecostal Africans in Africa and the diaspora, this article argues, are simultaneously reenacting centuries-old faith-informed healing practices and creatively reinventing aspects of these practices to assert their relevance in a postmodern world characterized by religious plurality, competition, and secularism.
Innovation or Competition? A Critical Analysis of Contemporary Divine Healing Practices of Pentecostal Africans in Africa and the Diaspora
(International Bulletin of Mission Research, 2020-10-12) Wabyanga, Robert Kuloba; Nyamnjoh, Henrietta; Ugba, Abel
This article examines current practices of divine healing of Pentecostal Africans. It provides insights into current developments by using the explanatory concepts of innovation, competition, and agency. The article draws on data obtained through an interdisciplinary, transnational, and multisite investigation of eight Pentecostal churches in Kampala, Nairobi, Cape Town, and London. Methods used included ethnographic observation, visual ethnography, and semistructured interviews. Pentecostal Africans in Africa and the diaspora, this article argues, are simultaneously reenacting centuries-old faith-informed healing practices and creatively reinventing aspects of these practices to assert their relevance in a postmodern world characterized by religious plurality, competition, and secularism.
The teaching and learning of Religious Education in Ugandan Schools after fifty years: A critical analysis
(Makerere University Press, 2021-04) Wabyanga, Robert Kuloba; Kaije, Doris
Religious Education (RE) is a value-oriented subject that has been part of the Ugandan curricula since independence. Its main purpose, as stated by the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) is to promote the development of moral, ethical, and spiritual values. It is an academic discipline, which is geared to the development of an inquisitive and critical approach to fundamental questions of religion and human existence. However, the extent to which the aims and objective of RE have been achieved is a subject of contention. There is no lack of evidence of all sorts of moral, ethical, and spiritual anarchy in the Ugandan society, which calls for a scholarly investigation into the content, methodology, and evaluation techniques in the teaching and learning of RE in primary and secondary schools. The study is based on textual information, observations, and personal experiences and purposeful interactions with fellow RE teachers. It is our opinion in this chapter that RE in Uganda's primary and secondary schools has been reduced to cognitive achievements without emphasis on the affective domain. The teaching and evaluation emphasise cognitive output rather than behavioural outcomes. Keywords: Religious Education, moral values, teaching/learning religion.
“I am Black and Beautiful”: A Black African Reading of Song of Songs 1:5–7 as a Protest Song
(Journal of the Old Testament society of South Africa, 2021-11-16) Wabyanga, Robert Kuloba
Adamo’s article on Ebed-Melech’s protest brings fresh insight into my earlier article on Song of Songs 1:5–7, prompting me to reread the text as a protest song (essay) against the racial stigmata that continue to bedevil black people in the world. The current article, using hermeneutics of appropriation, maintains the meaning of שְׁחוֹרָה as a black person, who in the Song of Songs protests against the racism, which transformed her status to that of a socio-economic other. The study is informed by the contemporary and historical contexts of racial injustices and stigma suffered by Blacks for ‘being’ while Black. The essay investigates this question: In which ways does Adamo’s reading of Jer 38:1–17 influence an African reading of Song 1:5–7 as a protest against racism? The article employs African Biblical Hermeneutics, as part of a creative and literary art in the protests against racism, to read the biblical text as our story—a divine story, which in the language of Adamo, has inherent divine power that can empower oppressed black people.
Reading Proverbs 13:23 in Texts and Contexts of Poverty in Africa: A Theoretical Framework
(Journal of the Old Testament society of South Africa, 2022) Wabyanga, Robert Kuloba
The Masoretic text of Prov 13:23 (רָב־ אֹ֭כֶל נִ֣יר רָא שִׁ֑ים וְ יֵ֥ש נִ֜סְפֶֶּ֗הבְלִ֣ א משְפָָּֽט) highlights the absence of mishpat (משְפָט) as the cause of the poverty of the poor. This article reads Prov 13:23 in conversation with the contemporary conceptualisation of economic poverty. The concept of mishpat (משְפָט) is theorised and hermeneutically applied to the issue of poverty in Africa. The key questions under investigation are: What is mishpat in the text and its context? How should mishpat be read in the African context? How does the biblical understanding of the poor and mishpat inform responses to Africa's poverty? In this study, the assumptions are that poverty in Africa is the result of both socio-economic and political injustices of the West and Africans themselves. Africans are agents of their own poverty. The study employs a hermeneutical and multidisciplinary approach, drawing examples from the social sciences.
Job 14:1-12 and the Buganda traditional concept of human life and death: an ideo-theological hermeneutics
(Kyambogo University[unpublished work], 2022-06) Kisekka, Enock
The study focused on the ideo-theological hermeneutics of Job 14:1-12 in relation to the Baganda’s traditional concept of human life and death. The study sought to discuss the text in relation to the Baganda’s traditional concept of human life and establish the ideo-theological and cultural correspondences between the text and the Baganda conceptualization of human life and death (Okufa). The theoretical frame work of the study was African Postcolonial Bible Hermeneutics, specifically Hermeneutics of Appropriation. The study carried out a detailed examination of Job 14:1-12 in its context where the background, description and analysis of the text were made, drawing out the theme of human life and death. The study further investigated the theme of human life in relation to death in the Biblical world and the Ancient Near Eastern civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia. Concerning the Baganda concept of death, the study entails death management rituals and their symbolism and significance to human life, and how the Baganda embody and polemicize death. The study reveals that though Job presents his lament as the universal fate of all mankind, his idea of human life is influenced by the situation circumstances in which he finds himself. His reality of death is nihility. Amidst the reality of losing all his children, he has no hope of having more given his imminent death. Job focuses much on the physical death and offers less attention to the netherworld. Put in the Baganda context, Job expected to suffer a bad death, the death of all his children rendered him childless and just like an African—the Muganda in that regard, the childless Job and his imminent physical death implied the death of his name, his memory and combustibility of his legacy and existence. Though Job’s idea of life after death as commonly known in the Bible and African cultures is not clear in his laments, the Biblical and African cultural understanding of death is that death is a gateway to another world of spiritual existence. Nevertheless, Job’s idea in the texts is the reality shared by Africans in context of a person who has suffered a bad death often associated with childlessness and other social vices.

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