A Year of Karis Events
Throughout the year, our Kampala team runs a variety of events to support Karis families—each one designed to nurture faith, character, and community. These gatherings create space for learning, encouragement, and friendship for the carers and children.
Normally, we hold a one-day “Summer Celebration” for everyone. This year, however, we tried something different—hosting two separate outings instead: one for our tertiary students and another for children aged 12 to 20.
Here’s a look back at the events we’ve hosted over the past 10 months:
Risky Behaviour Workshop (Dec 2024)
Career Guidance Training (Jan 2025)
Tertiary Students’ Outing (July 2025)
Parents’ Health Talk (July 2025)
12–20 Year Old Outing (Aug 2025)
Risky Behaviour Workshop
Dec 2024
Original report by Solome Kalagala. Edited by Will Law.
On 4th December, at St Peter’s Wandegeya, over 90% of our teenagers from the six Karis-linked churches came together for a workshop on “Risky Behaviour.”
The workshop kicked off with an uplifting devotion from Psalm 1 led by Steven Omu, reminding everyone to:
Prioritise Scripture and let it shape their lives.
Be mindful of their friends and influences.
Strive for righteousness.
Trust God’s promises.
The young people heard from guest speakers Joel Ssegumba and Sarah Byamukama, before splitting into groups to discuss issues such as substance abuse, unprotected sex, violence, reckless driving, gambling, and the influence of social media.
Together they explored causes, consequences, and practical ways to avoid unhelpful behaviours—including learning useful skills, managing money wisely, finding mentors, joining Christian fellowship, and committing to live a sexually pure life.
The workshop concluded by gifting female and male sanitary items to the teenagers. Those who attended left better equipped to understand how to make wise choices for the future.
Career Guidance Training
Jan 2025
Original report by Solome Kalagala. Edited by Will Law.
On 28th January, 140 Karis children gathered at St John’s Kamwokya for a Career Guidance Training under the theme “My Tomorrow.”
Mrs Joan Semaganda led the opening devotion from Psalm 119:9 and Proverbs 3:5–6:
Keep your way pure by anchoring on the Word of God.
Be steadfast in your studies.
Walk in God’s ways both in public and in private.
Trust the Lord with all your heart.
Depend fully on God in every area of life — including academics, school choices, and career decisions.
The children then split into five groups according to their education level, each guided by experienced teachers and priests. They explored their responsibilities at school, the importance of laying strong academic foundations, and the factors to consider when choosing future careers.
Across the groups, key lessons emerged: set SMART goals, work hard, manage time well, seek help through group discussions, and above all, put their trust in God as the source of wisdom.
The day concluded with prayers for both boys and girls, and a strong reminder to remain focused, avoid negative peer influence, and take their studies seriously to open doors in their future.
Briana presenting for her group
Rev. Gerald and Rev. Lovincer praying for the children
Tertiary Students’ Outing
July 2025
Original report by Solome Kalagala. Edited by Will Law.
On 31st July, 44 students attended a one-day outing at Chicago Country Resort. Rev. Dr. Jasper Tumuhimbise was the main speaker on the topic “Campus life: a Vineyard or Graveyard?”
The purpose for this day out was to equip students—both freshers and continuing—with knowledge of how to navigate the college life and become equipped to graduate with success.
After the main message, three peer counselors shared their life stories as a way of encouraging the students to keep focused on their studies.
Students introducing themselves
Ketrah addressing the students
Rev. Jasper delivering his message
Time to unwind with some games
A successful day at Chicago Country Resort
Parents’ Health Talk
July 2025
Original report by Solome Kalagala. Edited by Will Law.
Karis families live in the slum communities of Kamwokya, Kalerwe, Naguru, Wandegeya, Okuvu/Kinawataka and Ntinda. Most of these families are not exposed to basic hygiene practices, they are financially challenged, and are at risk of substance abuse, gambling, violent behaviour, and unsafe sex which makes them prone to related illnesses.
Given these risks, the Karis team in Kampala organised a workshop with a twofold purpose:
Create awareness about high-risk practices and avoid them
Empower the families live a healthy life
On 17th July 2025, the Parents’ Health Talk took place at St. Peter’s Wandegeya. The event was attended by 67 caregivers. The speaker was Mr. Asaba Gerald—a health worker and Christian at St.Paul’s, Mulago—who spoke directly to the issues at risk in the slums.
Please pray that the carers make wise decisions and grow in a steadfast vision for building a healthy life.
Rev. Ebed leading the devotion
Asaba Gerald addressing the parents
12–20 Year Old Outing
Aug 2025
Original report by Solome Kalagala. Edited by Will Law.
On 28th August 2025, we held a one-day event for children aged 12 to 20 years old at Nakasero Primary School. 120 children attended from the six linked Churches.
Rev. Musa Lakor (Vicar of St.Peter’s, Naguru) was the day’s preacher. The theme was “Imitating God’s Goodness”, drawing from Galatians 6:9. After the message, the children broke up into smaller age-appropriate groups with facilitators, where they continued to reflect and discuss.
Rev. Musa Lakor
Children at the camp
The day’s facilitators
