Jewish community in Uganda mark 100 years

Mbale. It was a festive atmosphere engrossed in praise and worship, feasting and dancing as the Jewish community in Uganda marked 100 years of existence on Sunday.
The Jewish community, commonly referred to as Abayudaya (people from Judah), have been practising Judaism as their religion since 1919.

The religion was introduced in the area by Semei Kakungulu, a Buganda Kingdom chief, a British agent, whom the colonialists used to impose their rule in the eastern region. Kakungulu was the first Ugandan to convert to Judaism.
The Sunday congregates sang hymns and danced in and outside the synagogue at their headquarters in Nabugoya Village, Namanyonyi Sub-county in Mbale District.
It attracted hundreds of people. Others in attendance were foreign dignitaries including religious leaders from Israel and United States of America (USA).

Mr Saul Kirya, the chairperson of the Abayudaya congregation in Uganda, said the 100-year journey has not been an easy walk.
“We have suffered all forms of persecution but with determination and perseverance, we have remained strong,” he said.
Mr Sizomu Gershom Wambedde, the spiritual leader of the Jewish community, said their numbers would have grown if president Idi Amin had not banned Judaism from 1971 to 1975.
Currently, there are more than 2,000 Ugandans practising Judaism and are mostly found in the districts of Pallisa, Budaka, Mbale and Namutumba.

“By the time Kakungulu died, we had more than 8,000 people but when Amin took over, he declared practising Judaism punishable by death. The people went into hiding and numbers dropped terribly,” he said.
Mr Wambedde, who also doubles as the Member of Parliament for Bunghokho North, added that despite the persecution, a few Jews in the area continued to pray and fast.

“When Amin was overthrown, a group of youth started a movement called Kibbutz to help the revival of the community through songs and learning,” he said.
Mr Wambedde said although there are still some challenges, they have made tremendous achievements.

Projects established
He said they have established projects, including education institutions, health centres, and supported extention of safe water to the communities, among others.
“Most of our people are still poor but we are starting up a microcredit fund to fight poverty among ourselves and neighbours,” he said.

Ms Mary Gorretti Kitutu, the State minister for Environment, who represented Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, as the guest of honour, said the NRM government will continue to provide condusive environment for the community to grow.
“The NRM government has done much especially in ensuring that there is peace and freedom of worship for all religions in the country,” she said.

Ms Kitutu urged the residents to concentrate on working hard to improve their household income.
Dr David Breakstone, the vice chairperson of the Jewish Agency, said they will continue to support the Jewish community in Uganda, morally and financially.

Division in the Jewish community

The Jewish community, however, faces internal wrangles over leadership and property ownership.
The wrangles started in 2016 following the election of Mr Gershom Wambedde, their religious leader as MP of Bungokho North Constituency.
This left the Jewish community divided with one side led by Mr Wambedde and another by his elder brother Jonadabu Keki.
Mr Keki and his group boycotted the celebrations. They accuse Mr Wambedde of corruption and mismanagement of the community property and funds.
The property includes Tobin Health Centre in Mbale Town, Semei Kakungulu Secondary School, Abayudaya Guest House, a synagogue and Rabbi House.

They claim Mr Wambedde has entrusted the management of community assets to his children and family members, an allegation he denies.
“In a normal community, such divisions are always there but it’s important that you look at bigger things which unite us,” he said.
The Mbale Resident District Commissioner, Mr Barasa Ogajo, however, said such divisions will kill the community if not settled early. “Mr Keki and others wanted to stop this function, which was very wrong but I urge them to join their colleagues and work together,” he said.

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