History of the Church of Christ and Related Institutions in the Karamoja Sub-Region
The work in Karamoja began in 2015 when Rose Agan discovered Ojiambo Duncan’s contact information on the Jinja Church of Christ notice board. After meeting in Jinja, Rose shared the urgent need for deaf ministry, youth discipleship, and church planting in Karamoja. Initially concerns about insecurity and safety in the regions delayed action, but Rose’s persistence won out.
On January 9, 2017, Ojiambo Duncan, Oguttu Geoffrey, Bagoole John Patrick, Adong Jackline, and Rose traveled from Jinja to Lorengecora in Napak District, Karamoja. They were welcomed by Abura Markson, a scholarship student at Busoga Bible School. Supported by NewLife Behavior International, the team conducted a two-day seminar and baptized 17 new believers on January 10, 2017. This marked the planting of the first Church of Christ in the community. The team prayed for spiritual transformation after witnessing traditional worship practices in the area.
Following the visit a report was shared with Charles Ganus and NewLife Behavior founder H. M. Motsinger, outlining the need for church planting, relief food, and leadership training. Funds were promptly provided for land purchase, food relief, and construction of a church building. From the beginning the building was envisioned as a mission center—serving as a place of worship, a weekday preschool classroom, as well as a center for adult education, biblical instruction, and leadership training in a largely illiterate community.
Karamoja Bible & Vocational School (KBVS) was officially launched on April 16, 2018, starting with Bible and Leadership studies. Dan Muwuliza served as the school’s first principal. The school first met in a rented semi-permanent structure near Lorengecora Market and later expanded, including a thriving satellite campus in Nabilatuk District.
As of December 31, 2025, the Lorengecora Church of Christ and KBVS have planted 22 Churches of Christ and has expanded beyond central Karamoja to Napak, Moroto, and Nabilatuk Districts. Total membership stands at 3,874 people, including 2,870 baptized believers, with the remainder being children and regular attendees still exploring faith.
Jaala Christian Academy & Kindergarten was established in 2018 at the Lorengcora Church, with 27 preschool children from church families. The school has grown into a fully registered Christian primary school offering Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Primary 1–7 education serving over 550 students. In 2025, Jaala celebrated a major milestone when its first Primary Seven class sat for the national Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), marking the school’s transition into full primary education.[^Uganda Schools]
Both KBVS and Jaala Christian Academy have become powerful tools for evangelism. Many families have come to faith through their children’s education, and numerous students have committed their lives to Christ through Bible classes, chapel services, and outreach activities.
We serve a gracious God who has accomplished much in a short time—and He continues to do more. Our vision remains clear and bold:
Holistic Transformation Is Our Goal.
[Uganda Schools]: The Ugandan education system consists of three years of Preschool, seven years of primary, and six years of high school. Jaala serves students for the first 10 years.