‘Christmas must mean hope’: Pastor Omoding gifts widows, children in Mbale

MBALE - Mbale city–based senior pastor Emmanuel Omoding-Okabe of Impact Ministries Uganda has urged Ugandans to embrace the spirit of giving as a true expression of love, compassion and shared humanity, especially during the festive season.

Omoding says giving should go beyond material support to reflect genuine concern for the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“Giving is a reflection of love,” Omoding says. 

“When we give to the needy, we are not losing anything; we are affirming their dignity and reminding them that they are seen, valued, and loved.”

He made the remarks on December 21, 2025, after a church service at Impact Ministries Church in Busamaga, Mbale city, where he distributed assorted Christmas hampers to hundreds of widows drawn from Mbale and surrounding areas.

From a biblical perspective, Pastor Omoding said giving is deeply rooted in Christian faith, citing scriptures that emphasise generosity, compassion, and caring for the poor.

“The Bible teaches us that it is more blessed to give than to receive,” he said. “Jesus Himself lived a life of sacrifice, teaching us to love one another not in words alone, but through action.”

He added that acts of kindness reflect God’s love and help heal social wounds created by poverty, neglect, and inequality.

Pastor Omoding called on Ugandans to appreciate the daily struggles faced by less privileged members of society and to actively seek solutions grounded in love and unity.

“Many people are suffering quietly,” he said. “Instead of ignoring them, we should ask ourselves what we can do, individually and collectively, to ease their burdens.”

Joy and relief among beneficiaries

The widows who received Christmas gifts described the gesture as timely and deeply meaningful.

Joyce Walimbwa, one of the beneficiaries, said the support eased the pressure she had been under ahead of Christmas.

“This gift is a sign of relief for the pressure I had on how to provide for my big family without my husband,” Walimbwa said. 

Pr. Omoding urges that giving is a reflection of love and sharing humanity. (Credit: Javier Silas Omagor)

“It shows that we are not forgotten.”

Another beneficiary, Alice Nabulere, appealed to other well-wishers to emulate the gesture.

“I ask those who have also to remember those who do not,” she said. “Even a small act of kindness can change someone’s life.”

Margaret Kibone, also a widow, said the support restored hope during a season that often reminds many of loss.

“For some of us, Christmas brings painful memories,” Kibone said. “Today, we feel joy again and a sense of belonging.”

Faith leaders commend initiative

Bugisu region’s renowned Pentecostal Bishop David Magombe praised Omoding for championing love and generosity beyond the pulpit.

In a statement, Bishop Magombe said such actions set a powerful example for both religious leaders and the wider community.

“Pastor Omoding is preaching the gospel through action,” he said. “Encouraging love for the needy should not be seasonal; it must be a continuous commitment.”

Beyond festive giving

Before the widows’ outreach, Omoding said Impact Ministries had earlier fed and gifted more than 3,000 young children across Mbale city and neighbouring districts.

He explained that supporting vulnerable people has been a core mission of Impact Ministries since its establishment in the 1990s.

“Our passion has always been to transform lives, especially those of the vulnerable,” said Omoding, who is also the Member of Parliament for Serere County. “Faith must translate into practical solutions that improve lives.”

Embracing government programmes

Pastor Omoding also encouraged needy Ugandans to participate in government socio-economic empowerment programs, such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model, and the Youth Livelihood Programme.

“These programmes are designed to help households move out of poverty,” he said. “Faith and hard work must go hand in hand with taking advantage of available opportunities.”

He urged communities to organise themselves, form groups, and seek information so they can benefit meaningfully from government interventions.

As Christmas and end-of-year celebrations approach, Pastor Omoding reminded Ugandans that the true meaning of the season lies in love, sharing, and compassion.
“When we lift one another, we honour God and build a stronger, more caring society,” he said.