By Sadiiki Adams
On 10th October 2025, Church of Uganda signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Paxtel Mobile, a subsidiary of Hamilton Telecom, marking a historic moment in the Church’s journey toward digital transformation. This partnership is a visionary step in the Church’s effort to digitize its communication systems, strengthen internal coordination, and advance its mission in a rapidly changing world.
For generations, the Church has been a cornerstone of national development establishing schools, hospitals, and social institutions that have shaped Uganda’s moral and social fabric. Church of Uganda operates a vast ecosystem that includes over 5,200 primary schools, 630 secondary schools, 50 vocational institutes, and five universities. Beyond education, the Church runs more than 300 health facilities across the country.
But in the digital age, the mission field is expanding. Evangelism, education, and community engagement now depend heavily on connectivity and innovation. Recognizing this shift, the Church has taken a bold step to integrate technology into its ministry and management structures.
The partnership with Paxtel will create a unified communication platform that connects all 39 dioceses, thousands of parishes, Church-founded schools, and health institutions. This platform will not only enhance coordination within the Church but also provide affordable communication services to clergy, staff, and Christians across the country. It will bridge existing communication gaps, reduce administrative costs, and improve efficiency in service delivery.
In practical terms, this initiative positions the Church of Uganda as a serious stakeholder in Uganda’s digital economy. The telecom industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, and by investing in it, the Church is securing a sustainable source of revenue that aligns with its vision of becoming a fast-growing, sustainable, Christ-centered Church.
During the recent House of Bishops and Board of Trustees meeting at Lweza Training and Conference Centre, Bishops expressed concern over how best the Church can use its vast assets particularly land and institutions to generate income for ministry. The decision to enter the telecom sector is, therefore, both strategic and prophetic. It affirms that the Church is ready to explore new frontiers of stewardship beyond traditional models of giving.
Beyond financial sustainability, this investment is a bold step in the digitization of the Church. Through the Paxtel network, the Church will be able to implement digital innovations such as online giving, e-learning in Church-founded schools, telemedicine in health centers, and virtual meetings across dioceses. It will also empower clergy and youth to engage more effectively in digital evangelism, taking the Gospel to platforms where people already spend most of their time — on their phones.
The partnership further promotes financial inclusion and digital literacy among Christians, especially in rural areas. With affordable data and mobile solutions, members will have access to online banking, educational content, and e-health services. This aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, which prioritizes ICT as a key driver of socio-economic transformation.
Spiritually, the Church’s venture into telecom demonstrates faith in action. As Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba remarked during the signing ceremony, “We are taking the first step into the telecom industry, and we believe God will do it for us.” It is a reminder that technology, when used responsibly, can be a vessel for the Gospel and a tool for holistic transformation.
Indeed, the pulpit today is no longer confined to the four walls of a church building. It extends into digital spaces; social media, mobile apps, and online platforms where millions of souls can be reached. Church of Uganda’s partnership with Paxtel signals its readiness to lead in that space, connecting believers not only spiritually but also digitally and economically.
In a world increasingly defined by connectivity, this investment ensures that the Church remains relevant, resilient, and resourceful. It is a testament that the body of Christ can embrace innovation without losing its mission in the digital age.
Link to the launch of the MoU: https://www.youtube.com/live/xIwtm94nUpI?si=MWsPVrXcS3zvemdX (Courtesy of COU Family TV) and pictures by Mr. Nicholas Bamulanzeeki.
The writer is the Communications Officer, Church of Uganda
