PhD, DD, MTh, BCLD - 35 years of dedicated church ministry and community service
The journey of faith, service, and scholarship
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."
The personal foundation of ministry
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:
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.
A lifetime of academic achievement and theological training
Rwaramba and Seseme Primary School
Completed primary education with distinction
Mutolere Secondary School
Secondary education foundation
Uganda Technical College Kyambogo
Three-year telecommunication technician's course
Bishop Tucker Theological College
Initial theological training
Bishop Barham Divinity College, Kabale
Preparation for ordained ministry
Mutolere Secondary School
Advanced secondary education
Bishop Tucker Theological College, Mukono
Advanced theological training
College of Professional Management, UK
Completed with merit
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
Uganda Christian University, Mukono
Leadership training for community development
Uganda Christian University, Mukono
First-class honors degree recipient
Received Academic Excellence Award (AEA) from Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi
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
Makerere University
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
Specialized training in educational administration
Master's International University of Divinity, Indiana, USA
Highest theological degree recognizing ministerial accomplishments
30 years of dedicated service in the Church of 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.
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."
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.
Commitment to holistic development and vulnerable populations
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.
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.
Dr. Mbabazi has served in numerous leadership capacities demonstrating his commitment to community development:
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.
Beyond his pastoral and community work, Dr. Mbabazi has made significant academic contributions:
Theological works and academic contributions
Guiding biblical principles from Rev. Dr. Mbabazi's ministry
Connect with Dr. Mbabazi for ministry inquiries or collaborations
Kisoro District, Southwestern Uganda
revmbabaziephra@yahoo.co.uk
(+256) 772638132
Church of Uganda (Anglican)