By Benedict Mukoni
The All-Africa Conference Sister to Sister (AAC: SS), in partnership with the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU), on 21st November 2025, commissioned the first cohort of Sisters from various congregations.
This commissioning followed the successful completion of an 18-month leadership course at the ARU Secretariat. The sisters commissioned are to coordinate the AAC: SS program in different dioceses across the country.
The course is designed to empower Sisters with essential leadership and communication skills, as well as knowledge in stress management, conflict resolution, nurturing effective communication, and fostering collaboration among themselves and their brothers in service, since they operate in various missions and congregations. The sisters covered a variety of topics, including healing childhood memories and trauma, emotional intelligence, aging gracefully, and mental health, among others.
Fr. John Bosco Kamoga, C.S.Sp., the President of ARU, was the chief guest and the main celebrant of the Holy Mass. He encouraged the graduates to translate their acquired knowledge into action, enabling others to experience the positive impact of their achievements as they become better versions of themselves. Also present were the Secretary General of ARU, Sr. Jane Yatuha, OLGC, and the Assistant Secretary General, Sr. Justine Naluggya, IHMR.
According to the National Programs Coordinator AAC: SS Sr. Anna Grace Alum, LSMIG, was established in 2002 by women theologians and the Sisters of Mercy, who recognized the need for a program to support women religious Sisters in Africa and beyond. Currently, the program operates in six countries: Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, with its headquarters in the USA.
One of the accomplishments of the program is the creation of the Sisters Counselors Network, also known as the Counseling Hub, where Sister Counselors provide valuable services without distinction between religious men, religious women, and lay persons.
Sr. Ann Grace invited the interested Sisters from different congregations to join the second cohort so that they can benefit from these services.
