Update from BHW Uganda Partnership Facilitators

Key People: James and Gorret Mayende

We had the pleasure of meeting online with James Mayende, his son Solomon, and his daughter Elizabeth, on Saturday evening 25th July. Gorret was unable to join us. 

When we met with them in Uganda last September, we were impressed by the organisation and effectiveness of their work. We were especially encouraged to see Solomon and Elizabeth working closely alongside James and Gorret, taking on increasing responsibility within the ministry. It was again evident that the next generation is being equipped well, and the future of the ministry looks very promising.  

Recent Events

HIV-AIDS Programme & Main Loan Programme

When we met in September there were approximately 20 people involved in the HIV-AIDS programme, and 9 active participants. Of those who received small loans, some were continuing and one was actually repaying. There was agreement that those people in the HIV-AIDS programmes would be incorporated into the main loan programme.  James confirmed that the HIV-AIDS beneficiaries have now been merged into the main loan programme, as agreed. There are now 23 members – 20 continuing and three new members. Repayments are slow due to the hard economic season and reasons outlined below, but James is confident that members are committed and paying as able.  

The main loan programme had 30 active people in it who were vigilant when we met in September. The programme remains strong and is a key tool for household empowerment. Total active members are 34, with four being new members recently. With the merger of the two programmes there is 57 members, including seven new beneficiaries in total. Most beneficiaries are using loans to pay school and university fees, alongside providing food for their families. James highlighted they maintain a friendly approach, unlike money lenders, because their goal is empowerment. They anticipate repayments will improve once harvests and markets stabilise.  

James provided a couple of encouraging examples as outlined further down the report.

James acknowledged that challenges are an inevitable part of any loan programme and there are a number of issues that can “disorganise” the loan beneficiaries. Some beneficiaries experience significant setbacks after receiving a loan, such as the death or illness of a family member, their own health problems, or other unforeseen circumstances. These events can delay the establishment of a business, slow loan repayments, or create the temptation to redirect loan funds towards urgent household or medical needs.

Rather than taking a purely transactional approach, the team seeks to walk alongside beneficiaries during these difficult seasons. They provide encouragement, practical advice, and wise counsel to help families make decisions that will support their long-term wellbeing and the sustainability of their businesses. While this approach requires patience and grace—and progress is rarely straightforward—it reflects their commitment to serving people in a Christ-like manner, valuing relationships and restoration alongside accountability.

Leadership Development, Church Growth & Church Development

When we met in September, we had extensive discussion with Solomon regarding both the leadership development and church growth sections of the budget. There were good reasons for both of those to be continued. Solomon advised that they held the Pastors, Leaders and Women Conference in November 2025 with 100 participants attending for 2 days as part of reorientation. They now plan to commence zonal engagement of Pastors, starting with Bugiri in September to review church status and cast vision. Similar meetings are planned for Mayombe/Busia and Kween. The approach is to gather people together in regions to reduce the overall cost and engage as many Pastors from the branch churches as possible. 

Branch Churches
In terms of churches, there is a church structure in place in Bulende and membership is growing with active evangelism. In Kafufu, the walls are complete, and roofing is pending. In Izra, the structure has been rehabilitated, and they are making bricks for a permanent building. In Kween, there are plans to begin brick making. 

Sunday School Teacher Training
In April this year, Elizabeth and five others completed Sunday School teachers training. This was a 3-day intensive training through Solomon's partnership with Christ is the Answer Ministries, Kenya. Elizabeth explained that they have identified a significant need to strengthen the capacity and capability of Sunday School teachers, recognising a gap in the quality of biblical teaching being provided to children. Within their home church in Busia, she observed that while Bible stories are shared, the deeper lessons, moral principles, and biblical wisdom are not always being effectively communicated or applied.

She has a growing passion for children's ministry. She is committed to seeing children develop a genuine relationship with Christ, grow in their understanding of God's Word, and reach their God-given potential, recognising that they are the future leaders of the Church in Uganda.

To address this need, they will replicate the Sunday School teacher training programme and plan to extend this training to the branch churches in August. Their hope is to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to disciple children more effectively, ensuring that biblical truth is both taught and lived out in the next generation.

Youth Conference
A Youth Conference is also planned for August, to be held during the school holiday period for young people aged 13–21 years at Faith Homes Buhoya and Mayombe. The conference has a twofold purpose: to introduce young people to Christ and to encourage spiritual renewal and growth in those who already have a relationship with Him.

A key feature of the conference is the involvement of strong Christian young adults like Elizabeth who serve as mentors and role models, demonstrating through both their words and their lives what it means to follow Christ faithfully.

Elizabeth shared that many young people in Uganda struggle with discouragement and depression because of the difficult circumstances they face. This has deepened her passion to be a living witness to them, demonstrating that true hope and contentment are found not in material possessions but in the abundance of life that comes through Christ. Even in her own seasons of financial hardship where she has no money, she desires her life to testify to God's faithfulness and sustaining grace.

Her vision is to see young people stand firm and united in their faith, growing into confident disciples and the next generation of Christian leaders in Uganda. She is eager to complete her university studies so that she can devote herself more fully to ministry among the villages and local communities.

Church Development
This initiative is closely related to the broader leadership development programme but has a distinct focus. At our meeting in September, they explained that the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly impacted many existing churches, highlighting the need to renew the emphasis on genuine evangelism and intentional discipleship. In response, the ministry shifted its approach from large-scale evangelistic rallies to establishing and strengthening home cell groups—a model that has proved to be both effective and fruitful.

As the ministry has grown, it has also become apparent that several churches within the network of 36 congregations are experiencing a leadership gap, particularly where pastoral leadership has changed or is limited. Rather than focusing solely on pastors and senior church leaders, they recognised the importance of developing capable leaders at every level of church life.

A key priority is therefore to equip and strengthen Sunday School teachers, women's ministry leaders, and youth leaders, enabling them to disciple others effectively and provide consistent leadership within their local congregations. By investing in these emerging leaders, they hope to build greater resilience within the churches and establish a stronger foundation for future growth and gospel ministry.  Aspects of this were outlined above.  In August/September, James, Solomon and Elizabeth intend to visit Kween to commence this and explore reviving Pangani Primary School. Alongside this, they will be launching youth activities, which Elizabeth will be leading.

Education Programme

When we met in September, there were approximately 115 people in the education support programme: 20 in primary, 42 in secondary, 15 in university, and 35 in vocational training. In addition, there were three students with special needs: Sandra, who is deaf and dumb; Emma, who is deaf and dumb; and one boy who is mute. Two of them were in the Mbale School for the Deaf.  One of them was studying fashion and design.  James advises these numbers are being maintained with support continuing for existing beneficiaries.  

Tree Planting

When we met in September, 312 trees had been planted on land owned by Elizabeth, which has been made available for Farming God's Way / Foundations for Farming programme. In addition to the established trees, a nursery of seedlings was being developed with the vision of expanding the range of fruit trees available to local communities. The aim was not only to continue growing common local varieties but also to introduce species that are not currently cultivated in the area, increasing both biodiversity and future food security.

This work has continued despite challenging weather conditions. While the prolonged dry season affected growth, many of the seedlings have survived through careful nurturing in the nursery. During June and July, additional trees were planted, and Elizabeth is currently compiling a stock report to document the progress made.

The nursery continues to focus on locally valued fruit trees, including avocado, soursop, guava, jackfruit, and mango. Looking ahead, there are plans to introduce additional fruit tree species during the next rainy season. The long-term vision also includes establishing coffee, cocoa, tamarind, ginger, and additional matooke, helping to diversify crops, improve food security, and create sustainable income-generating opportunities for local families.

The youth programme continues on Elizabeth’s land and Glenn and Sharyn Cant with Kevin Honore visited this with a focus on Foundations for Farming in April this year.  

Personal Stories

One story they shared with us is that of a loan beneficiary who established a small retail shop, which continues to operate successfully. She later received a top-up loan of UGX1,500,000 (US$400)  to purchase a motorcycle for her husband to run as a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) business. The motorcycle has now been purchased, and she will begin repaying the loan shortly. As a result of these income-generating activities, the family has been able to provide adequate food, purchase school uniforms, and ensure their children are able to attend school. This is a wonderful example of how the loan programme is helping families build sustainable livelihoods and improve their life.

Another beneficiary is a woman who has faithfully cared for a family member living with chronic illness for more than 20 years. Through the loan programme, she started a bicycle repair business and has been diligently saving with the goal of purchasing a motorcycle to establish a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) business. The income from her small business has enabled her to continue caring for her sick family member while also providing for the needs of her own family. Her story is a powerful example of how the loan programme is helping families become more self-reliant, meet everyday needs, and create small employment opportunities that benefit both their households and the wider community.

Current Issues and Challenges

There have been a number of challenges in 2026 impacting the country overall, but particularly amongst the poorest of the poor. The season has been particularly challenging. A prolonged dry spell has resulted in poor harvests, leading to widespread food insecurity. Business activity has also slowed, and many families are struggling to meet even their most basic needs, including school expenses for their children.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has further increased fuel prices, creating a ripple effect across transport, food, and other essential household costs. Ironically, while food prices have fallen, the cost of other everyday necessities have continued to rise. As a result, many families are forced to sell their produce cheaply while paying significantly more for the goods and services they need.

In response to these challenges, James and Gorret are approaching the work with both care and compassion, ensuring that programs continue to empower beneficiaries rather than place additional pressure on households already under significant strain. In particular, James emphasised that their approach differs from that of many other loan programmes (as outlined above), aiming to support people in a Christ-like way when challenges or repayment difficulties arise. 

One of the other significant issues in recent months has been Uganda's enforcement of the national Trade Order Bill. Our understanding is that it is not a single legislative bill, but rather a nationwide government directive and urban management policy enforced by the Ministry of Local Government and authorities like the Kampala Capital City Authority under the Trade Act. It requires informal street vendors and roadside kiosk operators to clear public walkways and relocate to official, gazetted markets. According to the government, the policy aims to reduce urban congestion, improve city sanitation, and boost local government revenue, but it heavily strains the poor who rely on micro-retail businesses for daily survival. This has resulted in a direct loss of livelihood for many. Additionally, many of the evictions have occurred abruptly without notice, with force, and many have lost everything as authorities came in and destroyed their stalls.  The impacts are likely to affect vulnerable groups like single mothers and youths, and the very poorest of the poor.  Displaced vendors are unlikely to be able to relocate to official markets due to lack of adequate physical stalls or high user fees they cannot afford.  James and family were unsure as yet how many of their loan beneficiaries have been affected but are quite certain that the sudden seizures or destruction of stalls and produce/inventory will have cut off income for poor families who use the money to pay for basic needs, food, and school fees.

There remains an ongoing need to equip and develop more church leaders—particularly those serving in children's, women's, and youth ministries—to strengthen discipleship across the church network. 

During our discussion about the barriers to achieving lasting change in communities experiencing extreme poverty, one theme emerged consistently: the need for a transformation of mindset. While there are many practical challenges—including drought, limited resources, and economic hardship—it was felt that one of the greatest obstacles is the cycle of a ‘poverty mindset’, where generations have come to believe that their circumstances cannot change.  

In fact, Solomon has undertaken his own research into this issue, drawing on conversations with people involved in organisations such as World Vision that have worked in some communities for more than 20 years. He noted that, despite substantial investment of time, funding, and resources, long-term change has often proved difficult to achieve. The biggest finding from an impact assessment has been that the greatest barrier is not simply a lack of material resources, but the persistence of a poverty mindset that limits hope, initiative, and the belief that change is possible.  

The ministry is therefore committed to addressing both the spiritual and physical dimensions of poverty, clearly aligning to the priorities of Bright Hope World. Alongside practical initiatives that improve livelihoods, there is a strong emphasis on helping people discover their God-given worth and identity in Christ. The belief is that lasting transformation begins when individuals understand their value as people created and deeply loved by God. From this foundation, they are better equipped to make wise decisions, embrace new opportunities, and break the cycle of poverty for themselves, their families, and future generations. 

Prayer and Praise Points

We give thanks to God for His continued faithfulness in sustaining the ministry through another challenging season. James and Gorret, Solomon and Elizabeth would value prayer for the following:

1) For abundant rains and a fruitful harvest, bringing improved food security and enabling families to repay their loans.

2) For wisdom, discernment, and God's guidance as leadership training continues, and for His blessing on the upcoming Kween outreach and school revival.

3) For God's provision to develop fishponds, establish a sustainable irrigation system, and construct a perimeter fence to secure the farm. We pray these initiatives will strengthen food security, create sustainable income, and provide greater resilience for the families served.

4) For the provision of honey-harvesting equipment, enabling the ministry to establish and expand a sustainable beekeeping project as an additional source of income for beneficiaries.

Comments

We are especially encouraged to see Solomon and Elizabeth (James and Gorret’s son and daughter) working closely alongside James and Gorret, taking on increasing responsibility within the ministry. It was again evident that the next generation is being equipped well, and the future of the ministry looks very promising.  

Elizabeth has remarkable capacity and a compelling vision for the future, particularly in the areas of children's and youth ministry, leadership development, and sustainable farming. Although she is currently completing her university degree, it is evident that her heart is for ministry. She is eager to complete her studies so that she can devote herself more fully to the work she believes God has called her to.

Solomon also has wonderful vision for the future and truly understands the vision and work of BHW. He has clearly shown intention to support the work and is engaged even while pastoring a church in Kampala.