The Secretary General of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Msgr. John Baptist Kauta, has called on women around the world to take the lead in restoring the environment, which continues to suffer due to destructive human activity.
Speaking at the conclusion of the two-day World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) conference held at Imperial Resort Hotel in Entebbe, Msgr. Kauta reminded participants that God created the Earth and its resources to support human life.
He lamented that the planet’s original state has been severely degraded through harmful practices such as deforestation, bush burning, and the encroachment on vital forests and water sources for construction.
Msgr. Kauta encouraged Catholic women to actively engage in environmental restoration initiatives, particularly emphasizing the importance of tree planting as a concrete step toward healing the planet.
He urged the attendees to return to their home countries and apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the conference to make a tangible difference in their communities.
Meanwhile, the President of WUCWO, Monica Santamaría, addressed the alarming rise in gender-based violence globally—particularly targeting women and young girls.
Speaking at the same event, Santamaría pointed out that beyond physical and sexual violence, economic violence has become increasingly prevalent, often resulting from poor management and inequitable control of salaries and financial resources.
Santamaría appealed to Church leaders—from priests to catechists—to play an active role in combating all forms of violence against women.
She emphasized the need for education to raise awareness about gender equality, including promoting access to education for girls and involving women in decision-making processes.
The conference also included a powerful testimony from a woman who survived sexual violence, sharing her painful experience as a call to action for greater support and protection for victims.
The two-day international Catholic women’s conference brought together delegates from various countries to discuss women’s empowerment, social justice, and the Church’s role in addressing global challenges.
By Gideon P Ssebulime
31st July 2025
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