In August 2016, Utah Global Diplomacy welcomed International Visitors with The Role of Faith Based Organizations in a Diverse Democracy to Salt Lake City. This Uganda-based program aimed to examine the role of religious leaders in an increasingly diverse community and observe the interplay between religion and politics in the U.S. While in Utah, the group also explored world and local relief services and state government faith-based initiatives. They also conducted a specific case study on the Mormon Church and LGBT acceptance.
Lillian Nabisinde Nsubuga was among our International Visitors. Ms. Nsubuga heads the Mother’s Union out of her church in Kampala. This organization helps parents of LGBTI children accept their child’s sexual orientation. Since her time in Utah, Lillian continues to see the impact of her experience in Utah within her own life and community. She especially enjoyed participating in a humanitarian project at the Latter-day Saint Welfare Square where she “learned to help people help themselves.”
Returning to Uganda, Ms. Nsubuga began a new community initiative modeled after the Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center. “I managed to share with my fellow mothers and women on how to love and care for the rights of minorities.” Lillian continues, “I came up with an idea of an open market every Tuesday in my community where we always encourage youth, school drop outs, and elderly people to come bring their stuff to sell, share their values, counsel, and teach them nutrition and group savings.”
International Visitors with Home Host
Ms. Nsubuga is truly making a difference in her community; Utah Global Diplomacy wishes her the best in continued action to aid and empower the people of Uganda.
