Sr. Specioza Kabahuma DST, received an award as an outstanding Alumna in the
Category of Social Entrepreneurship by the Uganda Martyrs University Alumni Association
Sr. Specioza earned a Bachelor of Ethics & Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs University in 1996, and a Master of Arts, Ethics and Development Studies in 1998, at the same University.
Below is the Citation read as she was being;
Citation:
“A Pioneer of faith driven leadership, champion and community
transformation – serving humanity with purpose and grace.”
The Uganda Martyrs University Alumni Association proudly recognizes Sr. Specioza Kabahuma, a Religious Sister of the Institute of the Daughters of St. Therese of the Child Jesus (Banyatereza sisters) Fort Portal Diocese, a pioneer alumna of the Bachelor of Ethics and Development Studies (Hons) (1996) Uganda Martyrs University and Master of Arts, Ethics and Development Studies (1998), Uganda Martyrs University, for her remarkable contribution to faith-based leadership, social inclusion and community transformation.
As Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) and formally Assistant Secretary General of the Association of Religious in Uganda, she has provided visionary leadership to a national body uniting men and women religious in advancing the Church’s Evangelical and Social Mission. Under her stewardship, ARU has strengthened governance, collaboration, and the visibility of religious life as a force for social action and development. Sr. Specioza Kabahuma, has been instrumental in Catholic care for Children (CCCU) leading the transition from Institutional Care to Family-Based Care and restoring dignity and hope to thousands of vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as the Sister-Led Youth Initiative, Catholic Sisters Communicators Network, Religious Health Workers Network and the Anti-Human Trafficking Catholic Network she has empowered the youth, advanced health and education outreach and championed protection for victims of human trafficking.
Her leadership in the Care for the Elderly sister’s initiative and the St. Bakhita Education Programme reflect her deep compassion for those who have served faithfully and for young girls seeking second chances in education. As National Executive Secretary of the National Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace of the Uganda Episcopal Conference in Uganda, from 1997 to 2010, was instrumental in the establishment of vibrant diocesan Justice and Peace commissions in the 19 dioceses in the country. Her unwavering endeavor in designing and implementing Awareness programmes empowered the Christian community for meaningful participation in their own governance and decision-making processes both in church and society at large.
Her collaborative efforts with Episcopal Conferences in Africa and the world at large, the holy See and specifically the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in the Vatican and other organizations inside and outside the Church, gave another unique opening to the Uganda Episcopal conference and its general Secretariat to be conscious and concerned about issues at hand in as far as Justice and Peace a need for action.
With her dedicated research the bishops obtained important information on specific acts of injustices and violation of human rights in the country enabling them to come up with pastoral letters to guide the conscious of the people and to express Christian solidarity with those suffering injustices. She trained specific staff of the commission in Parliamentary Liaison work and established a desk which has enabled the bishops to actively contribute to policy development and policy making processes in the Parliament of Uganda.
Through her faith, integrity and service, Sr. Specioza Kabahuma exemplifies UMU’s motto Virtue and Wisdom in service and stands true ambassador of ethical leadership and social transformation.
In recognition of her exceptional service to faith, education and community empowerment, the Uganda Martyrs University Alumni Association proudly confers upon Sr. Specioza Kabahuma the Outstanding Diamond Alumni Award 2025 under the Social Entrepreneurship & Civil society category.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join us in celebrating and welcoming Sister Specioza Kabahuma to the podium. Grand Imperial Hotel, 1st November 2025
