Visit the Abayudaya – the Jews of Uganda in Eastern Uganda
Visit the Abayudaya – the Jews of Uganda in their Communities near Mount Elgon – Sipi Falls in the Mbale District near the Kenyan border.
Meer the Abayudaya: The Jews of Uganda
he Abayudaya – the Jews of Uganda:The Abayudaya, meaning “People of Judah,” represents Uganda’s unique and resilient Jewish community. They distinguish themselves from the Falasha of Ethiopia, who have ancient ties to Judaism, by being Jews by choice. This means they have embraced their faith through a deliberate journey rather than inheriting it through birthright. Their commitment to Judaism, as outlined in the Old Testament, is profound and reflects their unique faith journey.
Despite their rich history, few Ugandans and even fewer tourists know about the existence of Abayudaya. This remarkable community has thrived for over a century, yet their story remains largely untold. Ironically, in 1903, the UK government offered Uganda a temporary refuge for Jews, a proposal presented to Theodore Herzl, the leader of the Zionist Movement. Herzl declined the offer, and this historical footnote remains obscure, even to many Ugandans. Most are more familiar with the dramatic events of the 1976 Entebbe Israeli hostage rescue. This significant event exposed the vulnerabilities of Uganda under Idi Amin’s regime and shaped the country’s global perception.
The Origings of the Abayudaya:
The origins of the Abayudaya can be traced back to their leader, Semei Kakangulu, who converted to Judaism in 1919, believing it to be
the true faith. His journey was influenced by a Jewish settler named Yusufu, a merchant who imparted knowledge from the Torah and guided Kakangulu on his spiritual path. Since that pivotal moment, the Abayudaya have identified as Jewish, facing significant challenges and persecutions along the way.
Throughout their history, the Abayudaya have endured immense suffering. They have been labeled “Christ-killers,” subjected to robbery, violence, and even murder. Under Idi Amin, Judaism was outlawed, and the Abayudaya were forced to convert to Islam or Christianity. Despite the threats to their lives, many remained steadfast in their faith, practicing Judaism in secret while risking their safety. Their challenges under Amin’s regime were severe, but their determination and resilience allowed them to survive and continue their faith.
Following Amin’s fall in 1979, the Abayudaya rejoiced as they regained the freedom to openly practice their religion under President Museveni’s government. This resurgence allowed them to rebuild their synagogues and reaffirm their Jewish identity.
Today, their community thrives, and Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, a prominent leader, is a parliament member. He represents a diverse constituency that includes Muslims, Christians, and a small Jewish population of fewer than 3,000. His presence in government reflects a growing awareness of the Abayudaya among the wider Ugandan society.
Tthe Abayudaya: Connectede to the Global Jewsish Community
Rabbi Sizomu sought to deepen the community’s understanding of Judaism by reaching out to the global Jewish community. Since the 1960s, they have received books and some financial support, fostering connections with Conservative Rabbis who have visited to guide the community and oversee conversion rites. Rabbi Sizomu’s education culminated in his attendance at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. Upon his return, he aimed to integrate the Abayudaya into mainstream Jewish life and establish a Yeshiva to train future teachers and rabbis for African Jewish communities.
The Abayudaya have made a significant impact not just within their community but also among neighboring Muslims and Christians. They are renowned for their healthcare initiatives, sound business practices, and coffee cooperatives, enhancing livelihoods across cultural boundaries.
While the State of Israel has yet to officially recognize the Abayudaya, they have garnered support from the Conservative Jewish Movement, which has provided religious training and education. For the Abayudaya to gain recognition from Israel, they must convert to Orthodox Judaism, a challenge they face with determination and hope.
In the spirit of unity, the Abayudaya resonates with the age-old Jewish sentiment, “Next Year in Jerusalem.” This aspiration reflects their enduring hope for recognition and a deeper connection to the global Jewish community.
Visit the Abayudaya – the Jews of Uganda
Abayudaya Community Projects:InitiativesforChange
The Abayudaya, a resilient Jewish community in Uganda, has continually engaged in transformative projects to foster change within and beyond. One of their notable initiatives is the Delicious Peace (Mirembe Kawomera) Coffee Cooperative, founded in 2004. This innovative coffee cooperative unites over 1,000 farmers from diverse backgrounds—Jewish, Christian, and Muslim—demonstrating a powerful commitment to peace and collaboration.
Delicious Peace Coffee Cooperative
The Delicious Peace Coffee Cooperative was established to promote harmony among farmers in a region historically marked by conflict over property borders. By fostering cooperation, the Abayudaya aims to shift the focus from division to unity, encouraging farmers to work together for mutual benefit. This initiative not only enhances the livelihoods of its members through fair trade practices but also serves as a model for interfaith collaboration in Uganda. Consumers can support this initiative by purchasing Delicious Peace Coffee online through the California-based Thanksgiving Coffee Company, helping sustain the cooperative and its mission.
Tobin Health Center
In addition to agricultural initiatives, Abayudaya has made significant strides in healthcare by establishing the Tobin Health Center. This modern facility has a laboratory and comprehensive healthcare services, including dental care. Funded by generous donations from North America, the Tobin Health Center is designed to serve all community members, transcending religious boundaries and ensuring that both Abayudaya Jews and their neighbors benefit from quality healthcare.
Educational Initiatives
Education is another cornerstone of Abayudaya’s community development efforts. Their education system begins with kindergarten and extends through high school, offering a robust curriculum accessible to all children in the region. Schools are open to students of all faiths, including Muslim and Christian children, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Jewish children receive specialized education in Hebrew and the Torah, taught by qualified tutors, ensuring they maintain a strong connection to their cultural and religious heritage. The schools not only emphasize academic excellence but also promote values of acceptance and cooperation among students from different backgrounds.
Through these initiatives, the Abayudaya community exemplifies resilience and commitment to social change, demonstrating how cooperative agriculture, healthcare, and education efforts can create a brighter, more harmonious future for all.
Visit the Abayudaya – the Jews of Uganda
Abayudaya Community Invites you! Welcome to the Abayudaya Guest House
Nestled in the picturesque Nabugoye Village, the Abayudaya Guest House offers a warm and inviting retreat for those visiting the vibrant Jewish communities of Uganda. Built with the generous support of American donors, this essential and comfortable guest house features modern amenities, including flush toilets, ensuring a pleasant stay.
We warmly welcome visitors, especially those of the Jewish faith, to experience the unique culture and traditions of the Abayudaya community. During your stay, you can immerse yourself in local life by volunteering, observing, and participating in the rich tapestry of Jewish customs in the heart of Africa.
Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, our village is renowned for producing some of the finest coffee in Uganda. Nearby, you can explore the stunning Sipi Falls and Mount Elgon, making incorporating these natural wonders into your visit easy. Jewish guests can enjoy a meaningful Shabbat experience by staying at our guest house at remarkably reasonable prices.
The Abayudaya Jewish community, though small, boasts a rich and fascinating history. Despite facing persecution, they have steadfastly maintained their faith and identity, practicing Judaism in a way that is uniquely their own. By visiting, you learn about their inspiring journey and support their ongoing efforts to preserve their heritage.
Join us at the Abayudaya Guest House for a memorable experience filled with warmth, community, and the spirit of resilience.
Let us know if you like to visit the Abayudaya Community near Mount Elgon on a Safari with us.
Visit the Abayudaya – the Jews of Uganda
Watch this Video about the Abayudaya Jews – The People of Judah
Contact
