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Some of the Ruth ministry leaders in a meeting
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By Our Reporter
Sheema
Widows under the Ruth Ministries Association in West Ankole Diocese have appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to support their skilling projects, which stalled following the death of their patron, former Presidential Advisor on Public Relations, the late Mary Karooro Okurut.
The widows, who gathered at Butsibo Church of Uganda in Sheema Central Division, Sheema Municipality, said the association—formed in 2023—was started to empower them to uplift their families and improve household incomes. The group, now with over 200 members, has been engaged in craft making, basket weaving, pottery, and mat production.
According to Grace Mwebaze, the Vice Chairperson of Ruth Ministries, members had been selling their products at Ntambiko Crafts Centre, which was owned by Karooro. However, the centre closed after her passing, leaving the women without a market for their items.
"The late Karooro came here and launched our association. She promised to boost our work by providing markets for our products, but since her death, we have failed to earn. We kindly ask the President to give us an income boost so we can revive our businesses," Mwebaze said.
Mary Mugisha, a widow from Butsibo Church, said many members are now struggling to provide for their children.
"We don't have enough land to feed our families. The late Karooro used to buy our crafts, but now we are left without support. If we can get funding from the government, it would help us boost our project," Mugisha appealed.
The parish priest of Butsibo Church of Uganda, Rev. Amon Tumusiime, said widows are often neglected because they no longer fit into the Mothers' Union after losing their husbands. He urged leaders in Greater Bushenyi to intervene.
"I call upon Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Alhajj Hassan Basajjabalaba, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, and other leaders to help these widows reach out to the President for assistance," Rev. Tumusiime said.
Another member, Monica Nyendwoha, noted that widows continue to face hardships despite government programs targeting vulnerable groups. "Some of us cannot even afford meals for our children. The ministry that supports widows has limited resources, and many of our challenges remain unaddressed," she said.
Ruth Ministries Association was initiated by the late Mary Karooro to unite widows facing difficulties after the loss of their husbands. Members say Karooro had promised to personally introduce them to the President to secure more support—a promise they now hope government leaders will help fulfill.
Torch Media Africa
