Clergyman | Scholar | Community Leader

Rev. Dr. Ephraim Mbabazi

PhD, DD, MTh, BCLD - 35 years of dedicated church ministry and community service

About Dr. Mbabazi

The journey of faith, service, and scholarship

Rev Dr. Mbabazi

Biography & Ministry Journey

The Rev. Dr. Ephraim Mbabazi was born on 20th November 1952 to Paul and Rose Munyambabazi, peasant farmers of Bihanga-Rwaramba in the Kisoro District of southwestern Uganda. His name Mbabazi literally means mercy or grace.

Dr. Mbabazi is the eighth in a family of 12 children (6 boys and 6 girls), where getting basic needs of life was always a challenge. This humble beginning shaped his lifelong commitment to serving the underprivileged.

From 1964-1974, Rev. Dr. Mbabazi completed both his primary and secondary education at Seseme and Mutolere Secondary schools. He taught at both Gitovu and Rwaramba primary schools from 1975-1978 before pursuing technical training.

His theological journey began in earnest when he joined Bishop Barham Divinity College for an ordination course from 1985-87. He was ordained a deacon on 29th November 1987 and a priest on 18th December 1988 in the Church of Uganda at St. Peter's Cathedral, Rugarama, Kabale.

Dr. Mbabazi's guiding scripture is "Love one another" (John 15:17), and he lives by the principle: "It is better to risk loss of truth than chance of error."

Family Life

The personal foundation of ministry

Family Background

Rev. Dr. Mbabazi is married to Priscilla, a dedicated homemaker who has supported his ministry throughout the years. Together they are blessed with three children:

  • Bright
  • Beatrice
  • Emmanuel

The Mbabazi family exemplifies Christian values and commitment to service. Despite the demands of his extensive ministry and community work, Dr. Mbabazi has always prioritized his family responsibilities.

His upbringing in a large family of twelve children taught him the values of sharing, patience, and caring for others - qualities that have profoundly influenced his pastoral approach and community development work.

Education Background

A lifetime of academic achievement and theological training

1964 - 1970

Primary Leaving Certificate (Grade 1)

Rwaramba and Seseme Primary School

Completed primary education with distinction

1971 - 1974

School Certificate (O-level)

Mutolere Secondary School

Secondary education foundation

1979 - 1980

Certificate in Telecommunication

Uganda Technical College Kyambogo

Three-year telecommunication technician's course

1985 - 1987

Provisional Certificate in Theological Studies

Bishop Tucker Theological College

Initial theological training

1987

General Ordination Certificate

Bishop Barham Divinity College, Kabale

Preparation for ordained ministry

1990

Higher Certificate (UACE) A' Level

Mutolere Secondary School

Advanced secondary education

1991 - 1994

Diploma in Theology

Bishop Tucker Theological College, Mukono

Advanced theological training

1993 - 1994

Diploma in Office Management and Administration

College of Professional Management, UK

Completed with merit

1996 - 1997

Masters of Theology (M.Th)

University of Edinburgh, Scotland

Thesis: "Environmental issues in church development planning in Uganda"

Joint scholarship from World Council of Churches (WCC) Geneva and Christian Aid (CA) London

2002 - 2005

Diploma in Community Leadership and Development (Dip.CLD)

Uganda Christian University, Mukono

Leadership training for community development

2005

Bachelor of Community Leadership and Development (BCLD)

Uganda Christian University, Mukono

First-class honors degree recipient

Received Academic Excellence Award (AEA) from Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi

2006 - 2008

PhD in Development and Health Care Management

Washington International University, USA

Research: "Examining the Church of Uganda involvement in Health Care Management by application of Community Health Empowerment (CHE) strategy for Holistic Development in Uganda"

Awarded on 15th January 2008

2012

Certificate in Managing Private Schools

Makerere University

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

Specialized training in educational administration

2014 - 2018

Doctor of Divinity (DD) Degree

Master's International University of Divinity, Indiana, USA

Highest theological degree recognizing ministerial accomplishments

Ministry Journey

30 years of dedicated service in the Church of Uganda

Early Ministry

Early Ministry (1982-1987)

1982-1987 Rwaramba, Uganda

Prior to joining full-time church service in 1982, Dr. Mbabazi served as a lay pastor and parish treasurer at Rwaramba Church of Uganda up to 1984. From 1985-87, he prepared for ordination at Bishop Barham Divinity College.

Ordained a deacon on 29th November 1987 and a priest on 18th December 1988 in the Church of Uganda at St. Peter's Cathedral, Rugarama, Kabale.

Pastoral Work

Pastoral Ministry (1988-1992)

1988-1992 Sooko, Uganda

Served at Sooko Church of Uganda Parish, carrying out pastoral ministry among rural communities. His ministry focused on holistic development, combining spiritual growth with practical community improvement.

Developed his guiding principle: "It is better to risk loss of truth than chance of error."

Diocesan Leadership

Diocesan Leadership (1997-2007)

1997-2007 Muhabura Diocese, Uganda

Appointed Diocesan Director of Planning and Development of the Church of Uganda, Diocese of Muhabura after returning from the University of Edinburgh. Held this position for ten years, overseeing church development projects.

Administered the orphan program of the Diocese of Muhabura, caring for 500 HIV/AIDS orphans.

Community Work & Leadership

Commitment to holistic development and vulnerable populations

Kisoro School for the Deaf Children

Rev. Dr. Mbabazi is the founder director of the Kisoro School for the Deaf Children, which was supported by the Kisoro Trust, Edinburgh, UK. He has held this post for over ten years, providing education and opportunities for deaf children in southwestern Uganda.

The pioneers of the school have completed university education, demonstrating the program's success. The ongoing challenge is securing funds for further education for current students, as specialized education remains expensive in Uganda's private system.

Peace Education Trust-Uganda (PET-Uganda)

Co-founded and serves as director of PEACE EDUCATION TRUST-UGANDA (PET-UGANDA), a charitable and Community-Based Organization (CBO) committed to supporting the education of the deaf and other most vulnerable children (OVC) in the Kisoro communities.

Established in 2003 when the Diocese fell into conflict and division over leadership succession under the influence of local secular politicians, PET-Uganda continues Dr. Mbabazi's mission to assist neediest children. The organization was in partnership with the Kisoro Trust to support the education of deaf children in Kisoro-Uganda.

PET-Uganda's mission is to carry out Peace Education and promote the rights of people with disabilities and all disadvantaged groups in society.

Other Leadership Roles

Dr. Mbabazi has served in numerous leadership capacities demonstrating his commitment to community development:

  • Board Member of South Western Uganda Network for Aids Service Organizations (SWENASO)
  • General Secretary/Overseer of Ubuntu Community Based Organization (UBC-UBUNTU)
  • Worked with Twaweza East Africa through Uwezo Uganda in spearheading literacy and numeracy learning assessment among children aged 6-16 years in Uganda since 2010
  • Collaborated with Kick Uganda in necessary advice and assessment
  • Member of the Federation of Non-State Education Institutions (FENEI) of Uganda
  • Board Chairman of Love Kisoro Branch
  • Vice Chairman of both Uganda Red Cross Governing Board and Mahabura Institute of Business Science and Technology

Research and Publications

Facing the challenge of church conflict over leadership succession in the Church of Uganda and division among Bishops due to the influence of secular politicians, Dr. Mbabazi conducted important research resulting in:

"The Church of Uganda (Anglican) Episcopal Leadership Succession Conflict and its Impact on Mission and Ministry in the Diocese of Muhabura"

This work reflects his commitment to addressing institutional challenges within the church while maintaining focus on its mission.

Professional Contributions

Beyond his pastoral and community work, Dr. Mbabazi has made significant academic contributions:

  • Lectured in various universities on Religion, Theology, and Sudanese Studies
  • Supervised research reports and dissertations for students
  • Developed an integrated approach combining Health Care, Education, and Disabilities in development models for holistic development of grassroots people in rural Uganda

Publications & Research

Theological works and academic contributions

Environmental Issues

Environmental Issues in Church Development

Master's Thesis at University of Edinburgh examining environmental considerations in church planning in Uganda.

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Health Care Management

Church Involvement in Health Care Management

PhD dissertation applying Community Health Empowerment strategy for holistic development in Uganda.

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Leadership Succession

Episcopal Leadership Succession Conflict

Research on leadership challenges in the Church of Uganda and impact on mission.

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Community Development

Integrated Community Development Models

Works on combining health care, education and disability services for holistic development.

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Peace Education

Peace Education in Post-Conflict Communities

Reflections on building peace through education in southwestern Uganda.

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Theological Reflections

Theological Reflections on Mercy and Grace

Exploring the concepts of mercy (Mbabazi) and grace in Christian ministry.

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Disability Ministry

Ministry to People with Disabilities

Practical theology of inclusion and empowerment for deaf and disabled communities.

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Scripture Reflections

Guiding biblical principles from Rev. Dr. Mbabazi's ministry

"Love one another as I have loved you."

John 15:17 - Dr. Mbabazi's guiding scripture throughout his ministry

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

Matthew 25:35-36 - Foundation for his work with orphans and vulnerable children

"And the King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"

Matthew 25:40 - Motivation for serving marginalized communities

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

2 Peter 3:18 - The call to continual spiritual growth that shaped his educational journey

Get In Touch

Connect with Dr. Mbabazi for ministry inquiries or collaborations

Contact Information

Location

Kisoro District, Southwestern Uganda

Email

revmbabaziephra@yahoo.co.uk

Phone

(+256) 772638132

Church Affiliation

Church of Uganda (Anglican)