ARU Communication Office was pleased to reach out to Sr. Lydia Apili Bwor, LSMIG, to share her story and journey as the Secretary General of ARU for the last Six Years. Below is the question and answer with Sr. Lydia.
For those who have not had a chance to know you, who is Sr. Lydia?
Sr. Lydia Apili Bwor, LSMIG, is a member of the Institute of the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu and a teacher by profession.
What are you most grateful for as you complete your Six Year term at ARU?
I am most grateful to God for His Faithfulness, Love, Mercy, and Kindness and the Valuable support from many people I served as the Secretary General of the Association of the Religious in Uganda – ARU. I am grateful to the leadership of my Religious Institute—the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu—for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve ARU.
What has been your greatest source of inspiration during your term?
The positive attitude towards my responsibility as Secretary General was a source of inspiration and stability for me. Every day I had new experiences to appreciate and learn from in many ways.
The cross-functional collaboration, efforts and the input of so many people led to the achievements ARU registered and a strong, supportive team made all the difference during my leadership at ARU.
I also drew inspiration from the willingness and shared knowledge, the extra efforts and the commitment from many partners and key stakeholders.
The opportunity to connect, learn more and network with many organizations was a big strength for me, which helped me to grow in many ways as a leader. I thank the Board of Trustees, the Executives and the staff for their hard work and dedication.
Looking back at the past six years, what moments stand out most to you?
The remarkable growth and many success stories and achievements ARU has made over the last six years. I always cherished and attributed the achievements to the staff and the partners who are the heart and core of every organization, and play a critical role in its growth, productivity and development. Without the hard work, collaboration, and dedication from the staff, any organization would cease to survive.
Time is one of the most valuable resources anyone can give. I wholeheartedly recognize and respect everyone who dedicated time to support, collaborate, or assist in whatever ways. Whether they offered guidance, a mentor who shared their expertise, or a team member who stayed late to help
What do you see as your biggest achievement as a Secretary General?
The biggest achievement for me has been the power of collaboration and networking with so many partners, both national and international and with other key stakeholders as well.
How has the Association grown or changed during your leadership?
Together with different collaborators, teamwork and shared intelligence, we championed ARU to another level of Institutional Visibility through many programs between ARU and other organizations.
What do you feel has been your most meaningful contribution to ARU?
I was always present and available to carry out and support the ministries of ARU, and I had to let go of other ministries which were so dear to me in order to give quality time to serve ARU.
What initiatives or programs launched during your term do you hope will continue long into the future?
All the initiatives launched when I was Secretary General will continue because they were meant to support the people of God through ARU.
How can ARU deepen its contribution to the implementation of Laudato Si’, Synodality and Justice and Peace?
Through advocacy and lobbying in collaboration with other like-minded partners and by sustaining the ongoing awareness creation in communities and institutions.
Where do you see ARU in the next 10 years?
I would love to see ARU more visible, reaching out to areas such as family ministries, participating in policymaking or development, and its implementation
What message would you like to leave with the members of ARU and the wider Church in Uganda?
I would like to encourage all the consecrated persons and the members of ARU to be prophetic signs in the building of the kingdom of God. Train servant leaders for the Church and the Nation. Train formators and improve the Initial Formation for the Formees and the Seminarians.
As children of God, let us be present, available and support each other in the mission of Christ as Pilgrims of Hope
What is your prayer and message to the New Secretary General of ARU?
I warmly welcome the New Secretary General and pray for her to take ARU to another level with the support of God and other key stakeholders.
