Mabel Katahweire

Mabel Katahweire
Born	26 September 1944
💀Died	26 May 2007 New York City, US26 May 2007
💼 Occupation	Doctor of ministry
👩 Spouse(s)	Emest Katahweire

Mabel Katahweire (26 September 1944 –26 May 2007) was a Ugandan Anglican female priest, and was among the first women to be ordained into the priesthood in Uganda. She was the first Provincial Education Secretary and introduced Theological Education by Extension program (TEE) in Uganda. Katahweire was also a pioneer member of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians. She also worked on women's health, HIV/AIDS and Liberation Theology. Additionally Katahweire, founded and chaired the Mama Health and Rights Projects(HEPS) in Uganda focusing on community and access to medicine.

Early life, education and career

Katahweire was born on 26 September 1944 in Kyangundu, Sheema, Bushenyi District. She was a first born in a family of eleven children. Katahweire attended Breranyangi Junior school and Bishop Stuart Teacher training college in 1971. She obtained a certificate in Theology at Makerere University and was ordained a Deacon. Katahweire later taught at Demonstration School and Kyeizooba girls School before marrying Ernest Katahweire on 10 December 1966. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and religion from the Empire State College and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1982. In 1987, Katahweire obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Education at Makerere University. She later obtained her Doctor of Ministry degree from Episcopal Divinity School in Boston , United States of America (USA)

Katahweire returned to Uganda in 1987 and she worked as a lecturer at Bishop Tucker Theological College. She was ordained in priesthood in 1992 becoming one of Uganda's first female priest. Katahweire also served as the first Provincial Education Secretary of the Church of Uganda, where she introduced and coordinated the Theological Education by Extension program (TEE) for non-residential students. In 1997, she was installed as a Canon of St. James Cathedral Ruharo and became the first Canon Chaplain of Mbarara University of Science and Technology Katahweire later served in South Africa, coordinating Theological Education activities and teaching courses in women studies and practical Theology

Leadership and community work

Katahweire was in the governing council as a member of the African Network of Institutions of Theological Education Preparing Anglican for ministry (ANITEPAM) and coordinated its 1998 consultations in Zimbabwe which enhanced equality in the Church. She was also a pioneer member of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians where she promoted advocacy and liberation theologies. In 2003, she joined other Theologians in the Pan African Circle meeting in Ghana, to address the impact of HIV/AIDS on African Women. Katahweire also founded and chaired the Mama Health Rights Projects(HEPS), in Uganda which worked on community empowerment, access to medicine and awareness of Women's Health rights. HEPS also carried out sensitization campaigns in Lira and conducted studies in medicine availability. Moreover, she highlighted the impact of HIV/AIDS in Uganda, linking it to Sexual and Gender based Violence. She also spoke about stigma and cultural taboos around HIV/AIDS, noting that women and children suffer most.

Death and legacy

Katahweire died of cancer on 26 May 2007, in New York City at the age of 63. Her funeral was held at All Saints Cathedral Kampala, on 5 June 2007, and was buried at St. James Cathedral Ruharo, in Mbarara. She is remembered as a pioneering female priest, educator and advocate for women's health. Her work in theological Education, HIV/AIDS awareness, and empowerment of women continues to influence Church and Civil society in Uganda.

References

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