CWM: 30 years of witnessing God’s goodness through work

Today during celebration of the Feast of St. Joseph, the Worker and Uganda’s Labour Day, Mr. Fred Businge, Chairman of the Catholic Workers Movement (CWM) in Mbuya Parish and the Kampala Archdiocese, delivered a stirring address celebrating the vital role of Catholic workers in the Church and society. His message, rooted in faith, gratitude, and solidarity, emphasized the ongoing mission of the movement to uphold the dignity of labor in challenging times. Mr. Businge began by thanking Rev. Fr. James Patrick JJumba, the Parish Priest, for presiding over the Mass, and Fr. Kennedy Onoba, whom he praised as the “face of Laudato Si”, for his tireless advocacy for environmental stewardship. He noted that CWM is proudly collaborating with the Laudato Si movement to promote ecological responsibility as an essential part of Christian witness. Living the Faith Actively He highlighted the Movement’s encouragement for its members to be active in Church life — participating in choirs, councils, and parish leadership. “Wherever the Catholic Workers’ Movement members are,” he said, “we are asked to participate in the Church.” Using their motto “See, Judge, and Act”, CWM members are called not just to observe the challenges in society, but to take action to improve them. “We don’t want a situation of simply complaining. We are called to act.” Celebrating 30 Years of the Movement in Uganda This year marks 30 years since the Catholic Workers Movement was established in Uganda, a milestone that will be celebrated nationally on May 10th at Nsambya St. Peter’s Primary School, led by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere. With over 7,500 members across 12 dioceses, the movement has become a vital part of the Church’s mission to support working Catholics. In Kampala Archdiocese alone, the Movement has over 600 active members, with Mbuya Parish contributing a strong, vibrant chapter. Mr. Businge acknowledged the challenges of growth and visibility, but remains optimistic: “Slowly by slowly, we shall ensure every working Catholic above 18 becomes a member.” Watch the Mass here   Core Values of the Catholic Workers Movement Mr. Businge outlined four core values at the heart of the movement:

1. Advocacy – To be a voice for the voiceless and build a strong civil society.
2. Spirituality – To strengthen Catholic identity and witness at the workplace. “Let your office be a mini Vatican,” he humorously shared, describing his workplace prayer corner.
3. Teamwork and Solidarity – Reflecting the Holy Trinity, members are taught to work together, not in isolation.
4. Socio-Economic Sustainability – Encouraging members to work, save, and grow, particularly through Savings and Loan Associations (SLAs) established within the movement.

A Historical Legacy Born from Workers’ Struggles He traced the origins of CWM to 19th-century Germany, founded by Bishop Wilhelm Emmanuel von Ketteler, during the Industrial Revolution when workers were heavily exploited. The movement spread across Europe, then to Africa, and finally to Uganda through Bishop Adrian Kivumbi Ddungu of Masaka. A Call to Join the Movement In light of current economic hardships, including job losses due to government rationalization, Mr. Businge reminded all that the mission of CWM remains highly relevant today. He extended an open invitation to working Catholics to join and find fellowship, purpose, and support in the movement. In conclusion, he introduced the Mbuya Parish Executive Team and encouraged parishioners to reach out if they wish to join. “It is good to give thanks for every year you live,” he said, quoting Ecclesiastes 11, and reminded all that gratitude, faith, and community are foundational to living out our call as Catholic workers.