Stephen Sempala, ECLEA-Uganda national coordinator

Summary Report on ECLEA Uganda Coordinated Trainings – June 2025
Introduction
The East Africa Center for Leadership Development (ECLEA Uganda) successfully conducted a total of 44 training sessions in June 2025 across various regions of Uganda. These trainings, facilitated by our regional coordinators, aimed to strengthen local church leaders, equip biblical teachers, and empower believers with practical tools for effective ministry. This report highlights not only the scale and scope of the trainings but also the spiritual and social transformation taking place through ECLEA’s ongoing work.
Overview of Trainings Conducted
Throughout the month of June, ECLEA Coordinators taught across over 30 districts, delivering content rooted in biblical truth and contextual relevance. The trainings covered key modules including:
* 1. Follow-Up Trainings
* • Galatians – Busembatya, Kyamusimba, Babare
* • Mark – Musita, Serere, Mayuge, Lira
* • Habakkuk – Nebbi, Moyo, Alebtongo
* • Expository Preaching – Amulata, Kabale, Bukedea
* • Biblical Theology – Katerere, Lyatonde
* • Forgiveness – Luubya, Luuka
* • Biblical Interpretation – Amuria
* 2. Training of Trainers (TOTs)
* • Galatians – Masaka, Soroti, Rubanda, Benni, Kisoro
* • 1 Timothy – Kamuwaga, Keikolongo
* • Ruth – Koboko, Kabermaido
* • Forgiveness – Lyabaana
* • Biblical Theology – Kasese, Iganga
* 3. Main Teachings
* • Galatians – Kyanzanga
* • Mark – Kyotera, Tororo, Rakai
* • Esther – Katuna, Bushenyi, Busia
* • Jonah – Rubugiri
* • Stewardship – Abim, Rwampara, Buwoya
* • Biblical Interpretation – Kyampisi, Lwengo
* • Expository – Kalaki
Strategic Impacts and Emerging Themes
1. 1. Promoting Unity in the Body of Christ
Across districts, ECLEA trainings have become a powerful tool in uniting diverse denominations, umbrella bodies, and fellowships. By providing doctrinally sound and non-denominational teaching, church leaders from various backgrounds are now coming together to study God’s Word and address their shared challenges.
2. 2. Empowering Leaders in Tent-Making and Stewardship
The tent-making ministry model has been emphasized, encouraging pastors to be self-reliant and faithful stewards of their time, resources, and health. The Stewardship and 1 Timothy modules have inspired leaders to pursue vocational integrity while living out the Gospel in everyday life.
3. 3. Equipping the Church to Address Societal Issues
In Northern Uganda, ECLEA materials have been applied to real-time community conflicts—especially the Balalo herdsmen and land-grabbing disputes. Coordinators used biblical teachings on justice, peace, and stewardship to guide church leaders in promoting reconciliation and land rights awareness.
4. 4. Preparing the Church for Peaceful Elections
With the upcoming elections, ECLEA Coordinators have proactively raised awareness of the Church’s prophetic and peacekeeping role. Leaders have been taught to speak truth in love, reject manipulation, and guide their congregations toward peaceful and godly civic participation.
5. 5. Living Out for Jesus in All Seasons
Whether in politics, business, or daily life, leaders have been challenged to live out for Jesus with boldness and consistency. The sessions emphasized how biblical truths must shape leadership decisions, family life, and social action.
Voices from the Field
One coordinator from Tororo, Oba James, remarked, “The church is coming together in our region than never before.”
Another from Nebbi, Emojogo Emma, said, “How I wish ECLEA had come to Uganda earlier, this region would have moved faster than the rest of Uganda.”
Such testimonies and many more reflect the transformative impact ECLEA is having on church leaders across the nation.
Conclusion
The June 2025 trainings have not only deepened biblical understanding but also helped the Church respond to Uganda’s spiritual and socio-political needs. ECLEA Uganda continues to play a pivotal role in building a transformed, united, and biblically grounded Church across the nation. We thank God for the Coordinators' sacrificial service and the local leaders' growing hunger for sound doctrine and holistic transformation.
“For such a time as this,” the Church is rising in truth, unity, and purpose — and ECLEA is honored to be part of this divine movement.
Special thanks to ECLEA USA and especially for the continued support, vision, and partnership.
Kind Regards,
Stephen
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Stephen Sempala, ECLEA-Uganda national coordinator

Report on Kasese Visit
Subject: Meeting with Key Church Leaders and ECLEA Team in Kasese.
Introduction: I thank God for His continued goodness and guidance. During my recent visit to Kasese, I had the opportunity to meet with key Church Leaders from the area. Alongside our discussions, I also explored the impact of ECLEA in the Region.

Observations:
1. Meeting with Church Leaders:
The gathering included influential leaders from various churches in Kasese town.
The discussions highlighted the and ongoing Training, Follow up and the upcoming graduatio in the region.
2. Participation of Key Figures:
I was accompanied by Bishop Moses Muwaguzi, the Coordinator of Greater Masaka, and Prof. Eric Kitaka, the Registrar of ECLEA and Quality Assurance Officer at East Africa Polytechnic College, Kyambogo.
Their presence brought valuable insights and underscored the importance of leadership development in the church.
3. ECLEA has established a significant presence in Kasese, focusing on the development and empowerment of church leaders.
Their mission is to equip church leaders with biblical knowledge, leadership skills, and practical tools to effectively lead their congregations and communities.
4. Emphasis on Certification and Professional Development:
Prof. Eric Kitaka emphasized the necessity for church leaders to obtain certification at various levels. This is crucial as the government plans to regulate churches by requiring their leaders to attain at least a degree level.
ECLEA is adapting to this requirement by promoting professional development using their materials, ensuring leaders not only grow spiritually but also meet the upcoming regulatory standards.
5. Impact of ECLEA:
ECLEA’s training programs have been well-received, leading to improved leadership and spiritual growth among the church leaders in Kasese.
The organization is now placing greater emphasis on professional development, equipping leaders with the necessary credentials to continue their ministries effectively.
Their approach ensures leaders are prepared both spiritually and professionally, addressing the evolving needs of their communities.
The Impact of ADF Activity in Kasese and Cross-Border Implications.
During our visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently, we encountered reports of significant unrest attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan rebel group known for causing widespread atrocities in the region. The ADF's activities have not only destabilized parts of the DRC but have also had a profound impact on the Ugandan side, particularly in the district of Kasese.
Kasese has been one of the most affected areas in Uganda, bearing the brunt of ADF disruptions. This has instilled a sense of fear among Ugandans, making the region one that many are hesitant to visit. The continuous threat posed by the ADF has hindered development, strained local communities, and exacerbated insecurity in the area.
This situation underscores the need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of instability, promote peace, and support affected communities. ECLEA's mission in Kasese takes on even greater significance in this context, as we strive to provide much-needed support and resources to those impacted by these ongoing challenges.
Recommendations:
Increased Support for ECLEA:
Given the positive impact of ECLEA's work, it is recommended to explore ways to further support their initiatives in Kasese.
This may include providing additional resources, promoting their agricultural programs, and encouraging more leaders to participate in Eclea trainings.
Focus on Certification Programs:
There should be a concerted effort to support church leaders in obtaining the required certifications to meet government standards.
Partnerships with educational institutions and ECLEA’s continued emphasis on professional development will be key in achieving this goal.
Conclusion: The visit to Kasese highlighted the invaluable contributions of Eclea in empowering local church leaders. Their efforts have led to significant spiritual and leadership development within the church community. The new focus on certification and professional development is timely and necessary, ensuring that church leaders are well-equipped to navigate the upcoming regulatory changes. As we move forward, it is essential to continue supporting ECLEA’s mission, ensuring the ongoing growth and strengthening of the church in Kasese.
Prayer: Let us keep ECLEA and its leaders in our prayers, asking for God's guidance, provision, and continued success in their mission to equip and empower church leaders across East Africa.
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