About Us

The Association of Religious in Uganda, generally known as ARU, has a long history which dates back to its foundation in 1968. It was founded initially as a body of women religious working in Uganda by the women Major Superiors, led by Mother Mary Bernadine, LSOSF (R.I.P).

The founding of this body was a response to a directive by Pope Paul VI that Religious Institutes in their various countries throughout the world would form a forum from which they would address issues of common interest concerning their consecrated life. This requirement arose from the decisions made at the Second Vatican Council. The Religious men’s Institutes in Uganda also formed their own Association, then known as the Conference of Men Superiors of Religious Institutes in Uganda (COMSRIU).

In 1995, the two Associations of men and women Religious saw it necessary to form one Association and got the approval of the Holy See. Out of the merger, an Association of Religious in Uganda, ARU, was born with a Mission “to collaborate, support and empower each Institute to live its unique Charism within the Mission of the Church today.” Hence, ARU remained the overall Association that embodies all the Religious men and women in Uganda; ARU therefore provides leadership and is the decision and policy-making body. It is the members of ARU who decide on the best steps to take in addressing issues affecting the Association. Such decisions do not in anyway, override the autonomous nature of each Institute.

There are 116 registered member institutes with over 8000 members. Dual membership: 36 men’s institutes, 80 women’s institutes. ARU has always operated out of values that are based on the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Empowered by this Gospel message, the ARU operates out of a shared Vision, Mission, Motto, and specific values.